Ontario’s Opposition leader has stepped down amid allegations of sexual misconduct, dealing a severe blow to his party just months before the province heads to the polls.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has joined Canadian political figures reacting to allegations of sexual misconduct against former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown, saying that his thoughts are with the women who came forward.
Trudeau told reporters in Davos, “It’s extremely important that we make absolutely clear that sexual harassment and sexual assault is unacceptable. We take these allegations extremely seriously whenever they come up”
Kathleen Wynne
It's a difficult and brave thing to do to come forward in the way these young women have done tonight. My government and I have been clear on the issue of sexual harassment and assault. In fact our policy and our ad were called "It's Never Okay".
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) January 25, 2018
Federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer
Andrew Scheer said in a statement, “The allegations against the Leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives are extremely serious and should be investigated fully.Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment have no place in Canadian society.”
“I understand how difficult it can be for women to come forward under these circumstances.”
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh
Our thoughts are with the brave women who have had the courage to speak out about their experiences. We believe survivors & offer all survivors our unwavering support. The allegations against Patrick Brown are serious and deeply disturbing, and he should resign immediately.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 25, 2018
Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath
Horwath said, “My thoughts are with the brave young women who have spoken out to describe horrible, degrading and unsafe experiences they say happened at the hands of Patrick Brown.”
“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.”
Mayor John Tory
My statement on Patrick Brown: pic.twitter.com/0F7LRLAbIM
— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 25, 2018
