Ontario trustee Mark Watson risks removal from office after failing to repay his share of a $145K Italy trip despite repeated government warnings.
Trustee Under Fire Over Unpaid Italy Trip Expenses
A publicly elected Ontario school board trustee is under mounting pressure after ignoring repeated government requests to repay more than $11,000 in expenses tied to a controversial overseas trip to Italy.
Controversial Artwork Trip Sparks Public Outcry
In July 2023, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board trustee Mark Watson joined three fellow trustees on a board-funded trip to Italy, reportedly to purchase religious artwork. The trip cost taxpayers approximately $145,000 — including $45,000 in travel expenses and $100,000 for artwork — and led to significant backlash.
Public anger intensified after revelations that the group dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant, spending hundreds of euros on fine wine and four-course meals. Legal costs incurred to manage the fallout added another $63,000 to the bill.
Government Sets Deadline for Full Repayment
Following a government-ordered investigation, all four trustees agreed in December to repay approximately $12,000 each. Payment plans were arranged, spreading repayments through 2026 to 2028.
But after becoming Ontario’s Minister of Education in March, Stephen Lecce’s successor, Minister Paul Calandra, rejected the extended plans and imposed a firm deadline of May 23, 2025, for full repayment.
Only One Trustee Remains in Arrears
The Ministry of Education confirmed that three of the four trustees met the new deadline. Trustee Mark Watson, however, has neither repaid the full amount nor responded to multiple government outreach attempts. As of March 6, 2025, Watson had paid back just $1,216.71 of the $12,370 owed.
Calandra has been vocal about the consequences of noncompliance. “This trustee has made the decision not to repay the cost of his trip,” he said on June 27. “If he has not paid back, I will bring forward legislation, and I will vacate that seat.”
Removal Delayed by Legislative Calendar
Although Calandra pledged to fire Watson if the debt remains unpaid, procedural constraints may delay action. The Ontario Legislature is not set to reconvene until October 20, 2025, postponing any legislative move to unseat Watson.
Silence from Trustee Raises Accountability Questions
Watson, who was elected in 2022 and is a former educator, has not addressed the controversy publicly. Attempts to reach him through official board contact channels and his campaign email have gone unanswered.
Calandra criticized Watson’s silence and lack of accountability, highlighting the contrast with frontline educators. “Teachers are going to Dollarama to buy supplies while this guy refuses to pay back his $11,000,” he said. “I think he deserves to be fired.”
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
