Ontario Tourism Minister Cam Jackson has resigned in the wake of opposition charges of misuse of taxpayer's dollars.

A source in the premier's office told Broadcast News "Premier Eves has accepted the resignation of Mr. Jackson following allegations of the misuse of public funds regarding Mr. Jackson's expenses."

On Tuesday, Jackson, 51, repaid nearly $8,000 in expenses he "inadvertently" charged to Ontario taxpayers -- after he was told by the premier's office to repay expenses he couldn't justify.

During his time as a cabinet minister, Jackson and his staff billed taxpayers for more than $100,000 in expenses.

Jackson himself spent more then $70,000, much of it on hotel bills and lavish meals, including almost $18,000 on steak dinners at various restaurants.

Following his reimbursement yesterday, Jackson released a statement saying the bills were submitted "inadvertently."

"Upon a review of the expenses of the ministry and the staff, it was discovered that some expenses were inadvertently submitted and claimed in error," he said. "Now these expenses have been fully reimbursed and the matter has been dealt with."

Jackson, from Burlington, Ont., was first elected to the legislature in 1985. He has a government car and driver. However, he is not eligible for Toronto accommodation because he lives within 50 kilometres of Queen's Park.

Under Management Board guidelines, government employees and politicians are not supposed to be reimbursed for purchases such as alcoholic beverages or hotel movies.

While sitting in opposition, he accused the NDP government of "bellying up to the bar (and) having free taxpayers' lunches."

Jackson was named Minster of Tourism in June 1999 by former premier Mike Harris.

On February 8, 2001, he was also named Minister of Citizenship and Minister Responsible for Seniors.

Previously he was Minister Responsible for Worker’s Compensation Reform. In July 1998 he was appointed Canada’s first provincial Minister of Long-Term Care with continued responsibility for seniors.