Ontario police launch probe into Get A-Head, the online counselling platform backed by millions
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have initiated an investigation into a company that received more than $40 million in provincial funding, including money from a contested skills training program. The Anti-Rackets Branch confirmed on Monday that it has started a formal inquiry into Get A-Head, also known as Keel Digital Solutions, an online mental-health counselling platform.
The OPP spokesperson Gosia Puzio stated via email that the Anti-Rackets Branch has completed its initial review and will proceed with a full investigation, but declined to share specifics or estimate the timeline.
Last month, Premier Doug Ford’s government indicated it had referred what it called “suspicious activity” related to transfer payments to Get A-Head to the police after a forensic audit scrutinized the organization.
The Treasury Board Secretariat’s forensic investigations team contacted the OPP on November 6, expressing concerns about transfer payments from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to Get A-Head.
Get A-Head markets an “AI-driven” virtual mental-health counselling service for students and police officers. The company was acquired by Keel Digital Solutions in 2022.
Keel has also received substantial funding from Ontario’s prominent $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund, overseen by Labour Minister David Piccini. This connection has drawn attention amid broader scrutiny of the fund.
The fund distributes grants to unions, companies, and non-profits for training programs. A 2023-24 audit by Ontario Auditor-General Shelley Spence found the fund’s grant distribution to be “not fair, transparent or accountable,” prompting renewed scrutiny.
Keel Digital Solutions’ chief operating officer, Jay Fischbach, asserted that the company has complied with all laws and contractual obligations. He added that the firm would remain transparent and cooperative, and he expressed a belief that a government apology would follow once the matter is resolved, while continuing to support mental-health services for vulnerable communities.
Keel Digital Solutions’ chief digital officer, Ahad Bandealy, told The Globe and Mail that the company had no prior notice of the OPP referral and did not encounter any red flags during the audit process.
The company has accused the government of trying to scapegoat it amid broader controversy surrounding the province’s worker training fund.
Hannah Jensen, a spokesperson for the premier’s office, declined to comment and pointed to the government’s earlier statement. She noted a routine audit in 2023 raised concerns about the company, leading to a comprehensive forensic audit, and that the matter was referred to the OPP within 24 hours of receiving the results.
Patrick Sackville, the premier’s chief of staff, reportedly emailed Ontario government chiefs of staff to warn against contacting the company.
According to government records, Get A-Head received about $32.74 million from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities between 2020 and 2025, plus $1.85 million from the Ministry of Health. It also secured $7.5 million in Skills Development Fund grants approved by Piccini’s office, beginning with $2.72 million in 2024. An initial 2023 audit related to earlier funding from the same ministry.
Get A-Head’s success with Skills funding was limited to a period from August to December 2023.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles reiterated calls for Piccini’s removal over what she characterized as “gross mismanagement” of the Skills Development Fund, accusing the Ford government of dodging responsibility. She highlighted reported ties between Piccini and Keel, including a wedding attended by Keel’s lobbyist, and other social connections noted by The Trillium.
John Fraser, Liberal leader in the Ontario legislature, asserted that Keel should not receive further funding after being flagged in the forensic audit, criticizing what he described as a government that fails to hold itself accountable.
Report by Jeff Gray in Toronto
