Premier Ford says finance minister’s St. Barts vacation is “unacceptable”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he’s told his finance minister to return to Canada immediately after news broke he was on a trip outside the country.

The story was first reported Tuesday with few details from Rod Phillips office, including where he went and when he left.

The minister has since confirmed he and his wife travelled to St. Barts on Dec. 13.

Phillips says he deeply regrets travelling over the holidays, and it was a mistake.

“At a time when every Ontarian has been asked to make sacrifices, I am extremely disappointed in Minister Phillips and his decision to travel abroad,” said Premier Ford in a statement.

“I have let the minister know that his decision to travel is completely unacceptable and that it will not be tolerated again — by him or any member of our cabinet and caucus. I have also told the minister I need him back in the country immediately.

The only way we will beat COVID-19 is by following the advice provided by our public health experts. Public officials are no exception.”

Phillips posted photos on social media in recent weeks that show him at locations in Ontario, including one where he appears to be in Ajax on Christmas Eve.

But his office says the photos had been taken before his departure to St. Barts the weekend of Dec. 12/13.