Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Randy Hillier expelled from Ontario PC caucus

Ousted MPP accuses PC party operatives of 'egregious acts' | CBC News:

March 18, 2019 - "Ousted MPP Randy Hillier has again taken aim at the Ontario premier's office, this time from outside the Progressive Conservative caucus. Hillier, who has represented the eastern Ontario riding of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston since 2007, was expelled from the PC caucus on Friday.

"He was initially suspended over comments he allegedly made to parents of children with autism during question period at Queen's Park last month, but Hillier told constituents in a letter last Thursday that the real reason for the rift was his refusal to stand and clap in the legislature....

"In another letter to constituents on Monday, Hillier claims two of the premier's key advisers have been engaged in an 'underhanded and relentless campaign' to boot him from caucus since last August..... Hillier now claims he was expelled [for] his 'refusal to breach oath of office,' his 'refusal to accept the obstruction and prevention of caucus criticism or input on public policy,' and 'for raising concerns of possible illegal and unregistered lobbying by close friends and advisors employed by Premier Ford'....

"He also claims he was expelled because he refused to seek party permission before speaking with the media, and complained he was 'condemned' for attending his brother's funeral without seeking permission.

"'Like many people, I had high hopes and expectations with the election of a PC government after 15 years of Liberal mismanagement, scandals, and harmful policies,' he wrote. 'I could not stand by and tolerate operatives engaging in similar and more egregious acts'....

"The premier's director of media operations said in a statement Monday that the allegations in Hillier's latest letter are 'absurd and categorically false.' Simon Jefferies ... said Hillier rarely showed up for caucus meetings, where members were asked for their input on party policy.... Jefferies said PC MPPs are encouraged to talk to the media, and have the right to 'proper bereavement'."

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/randy-hillier-mpp-letter-expelled-1.5060865
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