Ontario PCs Call on Bonnie Crombie to Condemn Liberal Candidate’s Past Comments on Intimate Partner Violence

Thunder Bay – POLITICAL NEWS – The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party are calling on Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie to denounce past online comments made by Brian Hamilton, the Ontario Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North.

The remarks in question reference Jian Ghomeshi, a former CBC broadcaster accused of violence against women, and appear to trivialize intimate partner violence (IPV). The Liberal Party of Ontario says the remarks by their candidate were made over ten years ago.

Hamilton posted on Twitter / X:

“I miss Jian Ghomeshi, even if he is an ass slapping lady choker, his peculiarities don’t neutralize his genius.”

In another thread, Hamilton lamented the departure of Ghomeshi from the CBC show Q, writing: “Q without Jian Ghomeshi is like a flower without the pedals. A wind without the chill. A date without a kiss. Sad days @CBC.”

He followed up with: “Or a date without the slap/choke. Whichever you prefer.”

Calls for Accountability

These statements have prompted criticism from Rick Dumas, the Ontario PC candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North, who condemned the remarks as misogynistic and dismissive of survivors of abuse.

“One in three Canadian women will experience at least one incident of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. It is disgusting and misogynistic comments like these that trivialize the real and lasting harm inflicted on women and survivors of abuse,” said Dumas.

Dumas also questioned Hamilton’s judgment and suitability for public office, stating:

“The comments made by Brian Hamilton cast serious doubts on his ability to represent the people of Thunder Bay-Superior North with integrity and respect.”

The Ontario PC Party is demanding that Bonnie Crombie publicly address the controversy, making it clear whether she stands by Hamilton as a candidate.

Liberal Response and Apology

In response, Hamilton acknowledged his past statements, stating:

“More than a decade ago I made several comments online that were uninformed and insensitive. My choice of words was repugnant and does not reflect the man I am today. I have long since grown, and will remain focused on issues important to my constituents”

A Liberal Party spokesperson echoed Hamilton’s apology, saying:

“These are tweets from over a decade ago, and the candidate has apologized. Brian Hamilton is running to get the basics right for the people of Thunder Bay.”