Ontario’s Finance Minister Rod Phillips said he “deeply regrets” taking a personal trip to the Caribbean island of St. Barts over the holidays, despite government and public health guidance to stay home. His statement came Tuesday night, shortly after Premier Doug Ford condemned Phillips’ trip and ordered him to “immediately” return to Canada. “Had I been aware then of the eventual December 26 Province wide shutdown, we would have cancelled the trip,” Phillips said. “If Doug Ford and his team can’t lead by example, how do they expect Ontario families to follow their public health guidelines,” he asked. There needs to be consequences for Minister Phillips’ hypocrisy, but the buck stops with Doug Ford.”Ford’s office has not responded to the Star’s request for comment.

Source: thestar December 29, 2020 19:40 UTC