Despite the resignation of leader Patrick Brown early on Thursday morning, the Ontario PC Party will move forward in its bid to unseat Premier Kathleen Wynne this June.
At least that’s the goal, says Ted Arnott, though the Wellington-Halton Hills MPP also stressed the “human aspect” of the controversy should not be forgotten.
“No one should be treated that way, obviously,” Arnott told the Advertiser.
Two women have accused Brown of sexual improprieties, as reported on Wednesday by CTV News.
The women, not identified by CTV, allege that Brown, when he was a Conservative MP, provided them with alcohol and made unwanted sexual advances.
The alleged incidents occurred in 2012 and earlier, when the women were teenagers – and one was under the legal drinking age.
The allegations have not been proven in court and police officials in Barrie, where the alleged incidents occurred, have confirmed they have not received any official complaints against Brown.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece released a statement on Thursday that said, “There can be no room for harassment of any kind. Sexual violence and harassment cannot be tolerated."
Arnott said if the allegations are true, Brown had “no choice” but to resign.
Pettapiece and Arnott supported a statement issued shortly after the leader’s resignation by PC deputy leaders Sylvia Jones and Steve Clark.
“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 statement reads.
Jones and Clark stressed the need “to eradicate sexual violence and harassment across the province,” and concluded the PC Party “will not be diverted from our mission to ensure our strong team can share our message of change.”
Arnott said he took part in two caucus conference calls on Wednesday night and he plans to attend a caucus meeting on Friday morning at 9am.
“I would expect … that we elect an interim leader … and begin to move forward,” he said.
Arnott added, “Most importantly, we have a job to do in the legislature … when it resumes sitting (on March 10).”
Pettapiece echoed that sentiment, stating, "As MPP, my top priority will continue to be the people I am privileged to represent.”
Arnott acknowledged Brown’s resignation is a significant setback for his party, particularly with less than five months until the June 7 election.
But moving forward starts with the election of an interim leader, Arnott said, followed by a leadership election at a later date.
