Ontario Conservative leader Patrick Brown resigns after sexual allegations!

[Tennis]

https://www.therecord.com/news-story...ont-pc-leader/

TORONTO — Ontario's Opposition leader is stepping down amid allegations of sexual misconduct, dealing a severe blow to his party just months before the province heads to the polls.

Patrick Brown announced the decision in a statement issued early Thursday morning, following a hastily-called news conference in which the Progressive Conservative leader "categorically" denied what he called "troubling allegations" about his conduct and his character.

In the statement, Brown said that after consulting with caucus, friends and family, he decided to step down as leader but would stay on as a member of the provincial legislature to clear his name.

He said "these allegations are false and have been difficult to hear" and that defeating Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne in the upcoming provincial election is "more important than one individual."

Brown's political future as Ontario's Opposition leader was thrown into turmoil Wednesday as the allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him prompted calls for his resignation.

In his late-night news conference, a visibly emotional Brown said he was made aware of the allegations hours earlier, but did not provide details on what those allegations were. He said he would defend himself in the court of law.

"I can't speculate on the motive of my accusers, I can only say that what they are saying is categorically untrue," the 39-year-old politician said.

CTV News reported that two women have come forward with graphic sexual misconduct allegations against Brown that date back to when the Opposition leader was a federal MP. The broadcaster did not name the women, who alleged the incidents happened at Brown's home in Barrie, Ont., after they had been drinking in his presence. Brown was not drinking at the time, the women told CTV News.

The report said one of the women, who is now 29, claimed she was still in high school when Brown allegedly asked her to perform oral sex on him.

The other woman said she was a university student working in Brown's constituency office when he sexually assaulted her at his home after an event she helped organize, CTV News reported. The woman said she did not report the alleged incident to authorities.


CTV News said it had viewed records of correspondence between Brown and the women. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Politicians of all stripes were quick to weigh in, with the leader of Ontario's New Democrats calling for Brown to step down.

"I'm disgusted and disturbed by these sexual misconduct allegations," Andrea Horwath said in a statement. "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."

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne praised the women who made the allegations, saying on Twitter that it is "a difficult and brave thing to do to come forward in the way these young women have done tonight."

Wynne said her government has made it clear that sexual assault and harassment are not to be tolerated but did not comment on Brown directly.

Provincial and federal Conservatives also denounced sexual misconduct and harassment.

"The allegations against the leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives are extremely serious and should be investigated fully," federal Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer said in a statement.

Progressive Conservative Lisa MacLeod, a member of the Ontario legislature, said everyone "has the right to be free from unwelcome behaviour or advances."

Even before Brown's decision to resign, speculation began swirling as to who might replace him as PC leader should he step down. MacLeod, Christine Elliott and Caroline Mulroney were mentioned as possible candidates to take on Wynne in June.

Brown's comments were also followed by a flurry of resignations from his top staff members, who said on Twitter they were stepping down over the leader's handling of the situation.

"Earlier today, all three of us became aware of allegations about Patrick Brown. After speaking with him, our advice was that he should resign as PC Party leader. He did not accept that advice," his chief of staff, deputy campaign manager and campaign manager said in a joint statement.

"Since our view is that this advice was in the best interest of the PC Party, we have therefore resigned our positions."

The party's press secretary also announced he was leaving his post.

Ontario PC deputy leaders Sylvia Jones and Steve Clark later issued a joint statement on the party's website saying they "unanimously agree" that Brown cannot continue as leader. They said while Brown is entitled to due process, "he cannot lead us into an election."

Jones and Clark said the PC caucus would "immediately consult with party officials and members on best way to move forward."

Brown repeatedly denied the allegations against him and said he had instructed his lawyers to ensure that they are addressed in court.

He noted that "it's never OK" for anyone to feel they have been a victim of sexual harassment or feel threatened in any way.

"I reject these accusation in the strongest possible terms," Brown said. "This is not how I'm raised. This is not who I am."

He did not take questions from reporters and left immediately after making his statement.

Brown has been leading in the polls as Ontario heads to a provincial election this summer.

He was first elected as federal MP in 2006 as part of the Conservative government after serving as a Barrie city councillor. He was re-elected twice, once in 2008 and again in 2011.

During his time in Ottawa, Brown served as a backbench MP in Stephen Harper's government and has been frequently criticized by political opponents for voting in favour of reopening the abortion debate.

He won the PC leadership in 2015, beating long-time Ontario legislator and favourite Christine Elliott.

Since he has become party leader, Brown has attempted to broaden the appeal of his the party, going as far as to say social conservative issues were off-limits at the PC policy convention last fall.

Brown says he is pro-choice and more recently has led Pride parade delegations.

Top news story out of Canada so far this year.

Really shocking stuff out of our most populous province. I was really stunned to wake up to this. He was actually the favourite to win and now here he is, trying to defend himself against these allegations. It allegedly happened so long ago but only now it's being made public.

What do you think about this? Would you still vote for him?

[chazus]

What exactly does "Categorically Denies" mean, as opposed to just "Denies"

Also, why is he stepping down if it's false? Is it just a case of "If you're accused, true or not, your political career is over"?

[Tennis]

What exactly does "Categorically Denies" mean, as opposed to just "Denies"

Also, why is he stepping down if it's false? Is it just a case of "If you're accused, true or not, your political career is over"?

How can he still have a career after those allegations? That's not how it works in politics over here.

[chazus]

How can he still have a career after those allegations? That's not how it works in politics over here.

That's what I'm saying. Is all it takes some rando to make an accusation? I mean, I'm assuming he's stepping down because it's true, and he is just publicly denying it. But it seems silly to quit if it isn't.

[Nazrark]

What exactly does "Categorically Denies" mean, as opposed to just "Denies"

Also, why is he stepping down if it's false? Is it just a case of "If you're accused, true or not, your political career is over"?

It is a case of if you get accused you are done.

That being said, he has to because I've seen the political machine revving up in Ontario. With articles saying the reason people don't like Wynne is because they are sexist misogynist pigs. Completely overlooking the fact she has made some extremely bad decisions as Premier which have made people mad at her.

[ipaq]

It is a case of if you get accused you are done.

That being said, he has to because I've seen the political machine revving up in Ontario. With articles saying the reason people don't like Wynne is because they are sexist misogynist pigs. Completely overlooking the fact she has made some extremely bad decisions as Premier which have made people mad at her.

He can deny it all he wants.

He stepped down meaning its true and he's not suing because he won't win.

Pretty easy mode.

[the game]

How can he still have a career after those allegations? That's not how it works in politics over here.

Is the justice system motto in canada guilty until proven innocent?

[chazus]

Is the justice system motto in canada guilty until proven innocent?

Thats what I was asking, pretty much, then:

It is a case of if you get accused you are done.

Which sounds like the answer is 'yes'. Which makes me wonder why 100% of every politician doesn't get accused of this by someone who doesn't like them.

He can deny it all he wants.
He stepped down meaning its true and he's not suing because he won't win.

I mean, yeah. That's pretty much what it would be. I can't imagine someone stepping down saying 'its not true but hey, lets pretend you're right'

[Jotaux]

That's what I'm saying. Is all it takes some rando to make an accusation? I mean, I'm assuming he's stepping down because it's true, and he is just publicly denying it. But it seems silly to quit if it isn't.

This close to an election, his party would lose with him as leader. Even from the comments from other MPs is pretty telling of the accusation=guilty mentality.

[the game]

Thats what I was asking, pretty much, then:

He won't address it.

[grexly75]

What exactly does "Categorically Denies" mean, as opposed to just "Denies"

Also, why is he stepping down if it's false? Is it just a case of "If you're accused, true or not, your political career is over"?

Pretty much, true or false the accusation alone is enough to ruin people.. This is the idiocy of the see, listen and believe mentality of most people these days..

[Nazrark]

I would say, before the whole Weinstein movement. He could fight it in court and then continue with his career. In this current cultural climate, there is no way he can continue. Considering there is an election this year. It'll tank his party because the Liberal Party won't have to focus on their horrible policy for the past few years.

In our current cultural climate. If you are a white male in a position of power and are accused. You are done. There is no coming back from it.

"Ontario's Opposition leader is stepping down amid allegations of sexual misconduct, dealing a severe blow to his party just months before the province heads to the polls."

There is the entire reason why this comes out now.

[LongTimeCreeper]

What exactly does "Categorically Denies" mean, as opposed to just "Denies"

Also, why is he stepping down if it's false? Is it just a case of "If you're accused, true or not, your political career is over"?

To categorically deny something means you deny the whole category. He is not simply denying this particular accusation, he is denying any and all sexual allegations that have or (in the future) may arise.

Stepping down is not an admission of guilt. To keep his position, he would have to fight to prove it was false allegation. That can be very costly. Not only in terms of money, but also embarrassment to his family. Stepping down typically means the headline goes away quicker.

[Tennis]

That's what I'm saying. Is all it takes some rando to make an accusation? I mean, I'm assuming he's stepping down because it's true, and he is just publicly denying it. But it seems silly to quit if it isn't.

It's more than just a random. It seems like there's emails and other evidence from reading the story.

[Ghostpanther]

Is the justice system motto in canada guilty until proven innocent?

It is in the US it seems lately. All it takes is for someone to come forward and make a claim and the person is automatically assumed to be guilty, esp in the eyes of any political enemies.

[Mad_Murdock]

Pretty much, true or false the accusation alone is enough to ruin people.. This is the idiocy of the see, listen and believe mentality of most people these days..

They are probably looking at what happened in the Roy Moore case and decided that running an accused Pedo isn't good for the party and the party asked him to step down.

[Tennis]

Is the justice system motto in canada guilty until proven innocent?

Justice system? Who said anything taking him to court? Please read the article next time. Thanks.

- - - Updated - - -

Thats what I was asking, pretty much, then:

Which sounds like the answer is 'yes'. Which makes me wonder why 100% of every politician doesn't get accused of this by someone who doesn't like them.

I mean, yeah. That's pretty much what it would be. I can't imagine someone stepping down saying 'its not true but hey, lets pretend you're right'

It has nothing to do with the justice system? Show me where it says he is being taken to court or that it is a legal matter. It is a political issue.

[Endus]

What exactly does "Categorically Denies" mean, as opposed to just "Denies"

It's the difference between "these specific allegations are a fraud", and "any allegations of this sort are a fraud". You deny the entire category of accusation.

Also, why is he stepping down if it's false? Is it just a case of "If you're accused, true or not, your political career is over"?

No, it's a question of "If you're accused and everyone around you goes "y'know, I saw him hitting on interns at every Christmas party", then the accusations definitely seem legitimate and likely".

Accusations that are truly baseless and ridiculous tend to get nowhere here.

Is the justice system motto in canada guilty until proven innocent?

When did the justice system ever enter the picture?

Also, "innocent until proven guilty" only describes the fact that you get a trial before your conviction, rather than being summarily convicted due to assumed guilt, and having to sue for release by trying to prove your innocence in court. That's it. It's never meant you cannot be treated as if you might be guilty, or putting serial murderers in jail until trial couldn't happen.

Lastly, the standard even in the courts is "would a reasonable person think it's more likely that you did this", at civil court. The "beyond a reasonable doubt" only comes up at criminal court, with the express intent of letting a bunch of guilty people go free. It doesn't apply outside of criminal courts, let alone the broader concept of public opinion.

This all is the silliest damned line of "defense" that's cropped up regarding these allegations.