The Ontario Provincial Police have opened a full investigation into Keel Digital Solutions after a provincial audit raised concerns about payments the company received from a government ministry. The probe began after the Ministry of Colleges and Universities uncovered “irregularities” during a forensic audit, prompting the government to refer the matter to police within 24 hours of receiving the findings.
Keel Digital Solutions, which provides student mental health programming, has been under intense scrutiny at Queen’s Park for its connection to the Ministry of Labour’s $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund. The company has received about $7.5 million over two funding rounds for a first responder mental health initiative. The audit that triggered the OPP review, however, stemmed from concerns raised in 2023 and involved funding from a different ministry.
The government says all payments associated with the company are now under review and further action may follow. Opposition leaders say the situation exposes deeper issues with oversight and political involvement in grant decisions. A recent auditor general’s report found that the minister’s office had heavily influenced which Skills Development Fund projects were approved, including some — such as Keel’s — that were ranked low by public servants.
Labour Minister David Piccini has faced mounting calls to resign, especially after reports surfaced that one of Keel’s lobbyists is a close friend. Liberal parliamentary leader John Fraser questioned why the government continued awarding funding to the company while concerns were already under investigation. NDP Leader Marit Stiles went further, saying Premier Doug Ford must dismiss the minister, calling the situation “a farce.”
Keel Digital Solutions maintains it has complied fully with the law and its contracts. “We welcome the OPP and will be completely transparent and cooperative,” said COO Jay Fischbach in a statement, adding that the company expects an apology once the investigation concludes.
Despite the controversy, Piccini continues to defend the fund, saying more than 700,000 people have received training and over 100,000 have found jobs within 60 days of completing programs. The OPP investigation adds a new layer of pressure as the province faces questions about transparency, accountability and political influence in public spending.