It's a real shocker in the political world.
Ontario Progressive Conservative leader, Patrick Brown, has resigned after being accused by two women that he indulged in graphic sexual misconduct.
The single, 39-year-old Brown had been at the helm of the PC’s since May of 2015.
Brown reacted to the allegations last night at a hastily-called news conference.
“First, I want to say these allegations are false, categorically untrue, every one of them. I will defend myself as hard as I can, with all means at my disposal. It’s never okay for anyone to feel they have been a victim of sexual harassment or feel threatened in any way. Let me make this clear, a safe and respectful society is what we expect and deserve, and no one appreciates that more than I do.” said a visibly shaken Brown.
At about 1:30 am on Thursday morning, Brown then released a statement announcing his resignation as the provincial party leader:
"I have decided to step down as leader of the Ontario PC party. I will remain on as a MPP while I definitively clear my name from these false allegations. I'm confident the president of our party and caucus will convene an expedited process to elect my successor, who I look forward to working with." he said.
Several members of Brown's campaign team also resigned last night after the allegations surfaced.
There is a provincial election only five months away, and now the PC's, who had been leading in the polls, are without a leader. However, senior Tories say they will appoint an interim leader Friday.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she learned about the story watching CTV News Wednesday night. On Twitter, she showed support for the women who came forward, calling them “brave” for coming out with their stories. She also said in her tweet that when it comes to the issue of sexual harassment, her government’s policy is “it's never ok.”
In a news conference Thursday morning, Wynne reiterated those thoughts.
“This goes way beyond government policy; it goes way beyond government action. It is about all of us coming together and making a decision that we are going to, as I say, shine a light. We’re going to work to prevent these behaviours. We’re going to protect victims.” said Wynne.
The Ontario NDP leader, Andrea Horwath, also weighed in, saying all sides of the story will come out, but she too feels for the women involved.
“I was personally quite disgusted by these sexual misconduct allegations and I think that nobody in this day and age, 2018, can be leading a political party in the province of Ontario, heading into an election with these kinds of allegations over their heads.” said Horwath.
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked for his thoughts on the Patrick Brown story as he spoke to reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“It’s extremely important that we make absolutely clear, that sexual harassment, sexual assault, is unacceptable. We take these allegations extremely seriously whenever they come up. Obviously, my thoughts turn immediately to the women who came forward, knowing how difficult it is, it can be, to salute them for their courage and their leadership. I certainly hope that their example will resonate and that the support of their friends, their families, and the community at large remains with them.” said Trudeau.
Here in Northern Ontario, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is a senior member of the PC caucus and he told reporters in North Bay that he was mortified by the news.
"It's deplorable, what we saw on the news and so from our perspective, I've got to look now at the reality now that there is an election in a very few months and we need to look at what we have to do to win the election, let's be frank about that." said Fedeli.
The former North Bay mayor also said he is ready to take over as leader of the PC’s, if necessary.
"I've had tremendous support both last night, all night. I don't think any of us have gone to bed yet, so all through the night and day I've been hearing from our caucus members who say ‘it's your time Vic, you're the one, you're the person to do this.’ So, I'll respect the decision of caucus and will let my name stand. If that's what caucus chooses, then I'll look forward to leading us forward." said Fedeli.
Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano was elected for the PC's in a by-election last June. He had these thoughts Thursday morning on what has transpired:
“It was very discomforting to hear that, but I think that the main thing that I feel is that anybody who’s been a victim of any type of harassment, sexual harassment or sexual violence, should be commended for being willing to come forward and I think that is critical and important and I would encourage anybody who’s suffered like that to come forward.” said Romano.
Sudbury PC candidate Troy Crowder issued this statement:
"The Ontario PC Party is bigger than just one person. I decided to run for office because I want to make a difference. There is so much potential in the people and the place I want represent. I will be moving forward with my campaign to represent Sudbury at Queen's Park."
