THUNDER BAY – Across Ontario, the reaction to Patrick Brown’s resignation as Progressive Conservative Party leader is still coming.
Greg Rickford, the former federal Minister of Natural Resources, and candidate for the PCs in the Kenora riding states, “The allegations against Patrick Brown are serious, and while due process is warranted, he did the right thing by stepping down as leader. I along with our entire PC Ontario Party condemn sexual harassment in the strongest of terms. As a father of two young girls we must strive to create a safe and open environment for women and girls to come forward and be supported if, heaven forbid, they were a victim of sexual harassment.”
Thunder Bay-Superior North PC candidate Derek Parks says “Patrick Brown has resigned. This was the only step that should have been taken, once these allegations came to light. We need to let justice take its course. I have the utmost confidence in our justice system and believe it must run its course. Any form of harassment does not have a place in Ontario, period!”
On Wednesday, January 31 there will be a meet-and-greet reception with Kenora-Rainy River PC candidate Greg Rickford hosted by the Kenora Progressive Conservatives. The event will run from 12:00 to 1:00 PM in the Sun Room at Casey’s, 220 Lakeview Drive, in Kenora. All are welcome – this is an open, public event.
Brown was scheduled to be in Thunder Bay next week for a public meeting. That event has been canceled. The resignation of Brown leaves the PC party without a leader only months from the June 2018 election.
PC Deputy Leaders Sylvia Jones and Steve Clark issued a statement today after the resignation.
“Like everyone, we were shocked to learn of yesterday’s serious allegations. Harassment has no place in our society, period. Allegations of sexual misconduct must be taken seriously. These voices deserve to be heard. It was appropriate that Mr. Brown resigned as Ontario PC Leader. Now it’s time for the Ontario PCs to move forward together to elect a new parliamentary leader.
“We’re fortunate to have a team of talented, experienced MPPs and candidates preparing for the election. The PC Caucus will be meeting to make this decision tomorrow. We will provide an update at that time.”
Online on social media, there has been speculation that Cathrine Mulroney, the daughter of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney could seek the leadership.
