Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall
Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown steps down following sexual assault allegations
After allegations of sexual assault came to light on Wednesday, Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown called a press conference later in the evening, where he adamantly and tearfully denied the allegations.
The graphic allegations come from two women, who were 18 at the time of the incicents, and were detailed in an exclusive CTV News article. The story can be read, here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EybziVAutg
Despite telling reporters after his press conference on Wednesday, that he would “be back to work tomorrow” the Ontario PC leader has stepped down.
Here is Brown’s full statement:
“These allegations are false and have been difficult to hear.
“However, defeating Kathleen Wynne in 2018 is more important than one individual.
“For this reason, after consulting with caucus, friends and family 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.
“Over the past three years I have led a major transformation of our party taking it from 12,000 to 200,000 members, fundraised more money than any provincial party in Canadian history, and recruited some of the most qualified and diverse candidates in the history of our party. I have developed a pragmatic and winning campaign platform after a historically comprehensive policy process.
“These important building blocks are essential for defeating Kathleen Wynne this year and her tired government that has repeatedly made reckless decisions and put insiders ahead of the people.
“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.”
Shortly after posting Browns’s statement, Ontario PC Deputy Leaders Sylvia Jones and Steve Clark issued the following statement:
“This evening we learned of disturbing allegations leveled against Patrick Brown.
“In the interest of the Ontario PC Party we unanimously agree that Mr. Brown cannot continue serving as the Leader.
“Mr. Brown is entitled to a legal defense and due process, but he cannot lead us into an election as a result of these allegations.
“The Ontario PC Party unequivocally upholds the principle that a safe and respectful society is what we expect and deserve. We need to move forward to eradicate sexual violence and harassment across the province.
“Our caucus will immediately consult with party officials and members on best way to move forward to defeat the Wynne Liberals in the 2018.
“We will not be diverted from our mission to ensure our strong team can share our message of change.”
Political leaders chime in
Several political leaders have chimed in on the issue.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne commended the two woman for coming forward in a tweet posted late Wednesday.
It’s a difficult and brave thing to do to come forward in the way these young women have done tonight. My government and I have been clear on the issue of sexual harassment and assault. In fact our policy and our ad were called “It’s Never Okay”.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) 25 January 2018
Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath was quick to call for Brown’s resignation once the allegations surfaced.
“My thoughts are with the brave young women who have spoken out to describe horrible, degrading and unsafe experiences they say happened at the hands of Patrick Brown,” Horwath said in a statement.
“I’m disgusted and disturbed by these sexual misconduct allegations. Patrick Brown must resign, immediately. He deserves his day in court, but no person can lead a political party in this province with allegations like these hanging over his head.”
Three of Brown’s top staff quickly resigned on Wednesday night following the allegations.
“Earlier today all three of us became aware of allegations against Patrick Brown,” Andrew Boddington, Alykhan Velshi and Dan Robertson said in a joint statement.
“After speaking with him, our advice was that he should resign as PC Party leader. He did not accept that advice. Since our view is that this advice was in the best interest of the PC Party, we have therefore resigned our positions as, respectively, Campaign Manager, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Campaign Manager (Strategy).”
Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer also released a statement about the issue.
“Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment have no place in Canadian society, especially within our political system,” Scheer said.
“I understand how difficult it can be to come forward under these circumstances. The allegations against the Leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives are extremely serious and should be fully investigated.”
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton has yet to make a statement about the situation.
McNaughton had run against Brown in the PC leadership race back in 2015.
McNaughton eventually backed out and endorsed Brown for the PC leadership role.
Read more, here.
Weather forecast for Thursday, January 25, 2018
Today – Mainly cloudy. 40 percent chance of flurries this morning. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 near noon. High zero.
Tonight – Partly cloudy. Wind southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light early this evening. Wind becoming southeast 20 after midnight. Low minus 3.
Blood donor clinic today in Wallaceburg, next week in Dresden
Canadian Blood Services is holding a pair of blood donor clinics coming up in the community.
A clinic is being held at the UAW Hall in Wallaceburg from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today, January 25.
A clinic is also being held at the Dresden Arena hall on Tuesday, January 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit blood.ca to book your appointment.
Dresden Kinsmen fish fry and dance on Saturday
The Dresden Kinsmen are holding a fish fry at the Dresden Arena on Saturday, January 27 featuring entertainment from Toast & Jam.
The doors open at 5 p.m.
Dinner is being served between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and it will feature all you can eat perch and chicken wings.
Tickets are only $30.
They are available at McKellar’s Flowers and Gifts, Bob Ellis Motors, Hughson Automotive and from Kinsmen members.
The money raised at this event goes to support the following programs at Kinsmen Park, including the baseball diamond, tennis courts, toboggan hill, the Dresden Santa Claus Parade, Easter Egg Hunt and the Pet and Hobby Parade.
Final budget open house in Chatham tonight
Prior to budget deliberations starting January 30, council and administration will be holding community open houses to gather input from the public on the recommendations and any other budget matter.
The remaining meeting details are as follows:
Thursday, January 25, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Active Lifestyle Centre, 20 Merritt Avenue, Chatham
The format of these sessions are as follows:
– Open house with one on one discussions with administration and council from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– Brief presentation and question and answer period as a group from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Chatham-Kent staff is recommending a 2.27% tax increase this year in their 2018 draft budget.
Read our story, here: 2.27% tax increase proposed in draft budget
Watch for a story in the Sydenham Current from the open house held in Wallaceburg on Wednesday evening.
World news
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Female journalist covering Pence in Israel asked to remove bra during security check
Gay couple suing after one of their sons was denied US citizenship
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If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
