PC Party

Tuesday January 30, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 30, 2018

Ontario PC president steps down amid purge of Patrick Brown loyalists from top posts

The fallout from Patrick Brown’s resignation last week continues to roil Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives as members wage an internal civil war over the future of the party and Brown loyalists are ousted.

Rick Dykstra stepped down as PC president Sunday evening, saying he was taking “a step back” as the party moves to “coalesce” around a new leader

Several hours after Dykstra posted his statement to Twitter, Maclean’s magazine published a story alleging he had sexually assaulted a parliamentary staffer in Ottawa when he was an MP in 2014.

The report says Ottawa police investigated the complaint. Contacted by phone Monday morning, a police spokesperson said the force could not comment on the Maclean’s report because no charges were filed.

Brown’s deputy chiefs of staff, Tamara Macgregor and Rebecca Thompson, have been assigned to different roles and their former positions abolished. Thompson, a communications specialist, formerly worked for former minister of foreign affairs John Baird when he was transport minister. Brown brought her in from Ottawa to hone the party’s message heading into an election year.

News of the shuffling of top party players comes as the PCs try to contain another internal clash over whether to hold an open leadership race in the coming months or go into the June 7 provincial election with Fedeli as leader. Fedeli was chosen as interim leader at a snap meeting of the 28 caucus members on Friday morning.

Some MPPs who spoke to CBC Toronto last week said that a leadership contest would only distract members from the campaign to defeat Ontario Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne. Just hours after Fedeli was chosen, the party’s executive committee opted to hold a leadership race.

The move was met with cautious optimism by those who favour an open contest, such as dozens of current PC candidates, including Caroline Mulroney, whose name has been floated as a possible leadership contender.

In an email sent out to party members, the president of the Eglinton-Lawrence riding association in Toronto urged the party to stick to its decision to initiate a fair and open leadership race.

“The Ontario PC Party is not made up of 28 people. It is made up of over 200,000 people,” said Clare Schulte-Albert. “This is a democracy, and we must all have a say in who we vote as our leader.” (Source: CBC)

 

Saturday January 27, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 27, 2018

Brown’s loss may be a blessing in disguise for PCs

Suddenly, an Ontario election that looked wildly unpredictable appears utterly confounding.

June 24, 2017

The only certainty is that Patrick Brown’s dramatic decapitation as the Progressive Conservative candidate for premier is destined for the history books. No one, however, can foretell the province’s political future.

Never mind the partisans and pollsters who confidently predicted a PC rout of a forlorn Liberal government. No one truly knew how Premier Kathleen Wynne would fare against the untested Brown or the NDP’s Andrea Horwath on the campaign trail, nor how voters would respond.

We know even less today. Tempting as it is to write off the Tories as leaderless, they are hardly rudderless — and may even enjoy a renaissance.

June 23, 2016

At their moment of maximum disarray, a dislikable leader has been dispatched. If they can improve on their last disastrous choice — pollsters were already noting Brown’s creeping negative ratings, and the more than 44 per cent of Ontarians who had no opinion of him — the Tories may yet surprise people.

Put another way, the best thing Wynne and Horwath had going for them was Brown. Unlikeable, unknowable, unimpressive as a politician and most especially as an aspiring premier.

But not to be underestimated. Brown surprised his rivals in the 2015 party leadership race by massively outhustling and organizing them, signing up tens of thousands of instant Tories by reaching out to ethnic communities. As leader, he picked up the pace by setting remarkable new fundraising records.

Yet organizational talent does not translate into political vision. Brown was not only bereft of charisma, he was utterly lacking in presence when he walked into a room.

The Tories can do better — and better late than never. (Continued: Hamilton Spectator) 

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Friday January 26, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 26, 2018

Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown resigns amid allegations about conduct

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.

November 13, 2017

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.

December 14, 2017

“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. (Source: CTV News) 

Earlier post…

Patrick Brown resigned early this morning as Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party leader after allegations surfaced of sexual misconduct from two women. With just months to go before a provincial election, the PC party has been left in disarray, and political prospects for all 3 parties in Ontario turn upside-down. Below is the complete cartoon chronology of the now former leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario:

May 13, 2015
September 15, 2015
March 8, 2016
August 31, 2016
February 24, 2017
March 10, 2017
April 29, 2017
June 15, 2017
August 23, 2017
September 21, 2017
November 28, 2017
January 19, 2018

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Wednesday August 31, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday August 31, 2016 Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown now says he was unaware of letter promising to scrap sex-ed curriculum OntarioÕs Progressive Conservative leader says he didnÕt know that a letter was being distributed with his name on it saying he would scrap the Liberal governmentÕs sex-ed curriculum. The letter bearing Patrick BrownÕs electronic signature was sent out last week in the east Toronto riding of Scarborough-Rouge River days before voters head to the polls Thursday in a byelection. Brown says he doesnÕt want to throw anyone in the campaign team Òunder the bus,Ó but he only saw the letter after it went out and after media reports about it emerged Friday. He now says he wants to correct the record because he will not scrap the Liberal sex-ed curriculum if he is premier after the 2018 provincial election. Brown says that there is Òsignificant oppositionÓ to the curriculum in Scarborough-Rouge River and that his position will likely cost his party votes there. The curriculum was updated last year, for the first time since 1998, but some parents complained that the government didnÕt consult them enough and others were angered by mentions of same-sex relationships, gender identities and masturbation. (Source: National Post)Êhttp://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/ontario-pc-leader-patrick-brown-now-says-he-was-unaware-of-letter-promising-to-scrap-sex-ed-curriculum Ontario, PC Party, Sex-ed, sex, education, boy, cried wolf, Patrick Brown

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 31, 2016

Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown now says he was unaware of letter promising to scrap sex-ed curriculum

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Tuesday May 31, 2016 'Freedom and respect': Conservatives strike marriage definition from party policy Conservative delegates at the party's policy convention in Vancouver have voted to strike the definition of marriage in the party's official policy document. In a 1,036-462 vote, delegates from all provinces except Saskatchewan cast majority votes in favour of no longer defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. "I think our party got a little more Canadian today," Calgary MP Michelle Rempel said after the vote. "It's a milestone and it's not just a milestone for our party, it's a milestone for all Canadians.Ó "Yes, it took us 10 years to get to this point, but I think this is something that is a beacon for people around the world who are looking at equality rights. Canada is a place where we celebrate equality.Ó The result followed a heated debate and prompted some high-fives and cheers across the hall. It shifts the party's official position on same-sex marriage from being against the unions to neutral. Eric Lorenzen, from an Eastern Ontario riding, said during the debate that as a gay Conservative, he found it troubling that his party told him his relationship with his partner was not valued. "What other group does our party have a negative policy towards? A policy of restricting civil rights and restricting full participation in society?" he said, drawing applause. The result followed a heated debate and prompted some high-fives and cheers across the hall. It shifts the party's official position on same-sex marriage from being against the unions to neutral. Eric Lorenzen, from an Eastern Ontario riding, said during the debate that as a gay Conservative, he found it troubling that his party told him his relationship with his partner was not valued. "What other group does our party have a negative policy towards? A policy of restricting civil rights and restricting full parti

May 31, 2016

Ontario’s Progressive Conservative leader says he didn’t know that a letter was being distributed with his name on it saying he would scrap the Liberal government’s sex-ed curriculum.

The letter bearing Patrick Brown’s electronic signature was sent out last week in the east Toronto riding of Scarborough-Rouge River days before voters head to the polls Thursday in a byelection.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

February 26, 2015

Brown says he doesn’t want to throw anyone in the campaign team “under the bus,” but he only saw the letter after it went out and after media reports about it emerged Friday.

He now says he wants to correct the record because he will not scrap the Liberal sex-ed curriculum if he is premier after the 2018 provincial election.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Tuesday March 8, 2016 Patrick Brown sees a new, inclusive Ontario PC party Taking aim at climate change, Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown is signalling his party will propose a ÒsensibleÓ price on carbon emissions. ÒWe have to do something about it,Ó he told about 1,700 delegates Saturday evening at the first PC annual meeting since taking the partyÕs helm in May. ÒSensible carbon pricing doesnÕt have to be a contribution in terms. But it cannot be a cash grab,Ó he added in a reference to Premier Kathleen WynneÕs cap and trade plan, which will add an average 4.3 cents to a litre of gasoline and $5 to homeownersÕ monthly natural gas bills. The line drew lukewarm applause and a shout of ÒnoÓ from one vocal skeptic and some groans in a crowd that came to its feet several times during the 26-minute address. ÒI spoke from the heart,Ó Brown told reporters later, noting he had briefed his MPPs about the stance and got Òpractically universalÓ support. ÒWe have a grassroots party. People are entitled to have divergent opinions. ... ItÕs healthy.Ó Although Brown did not detail how his plan would work as the party begins deliberations on an election platform for 2018 and freshens its face with a new logo, he promised a carbon tax that is Òrevenue neutralÓ to the government and will come with Òcorresponding tax cuts for individuals and businesses.Ó Promoting himself as a ÒpragmaticÓ Progressive Conservative, Brown said the Liberals, who have trounced his party in four elections since 2003, are not expecting a more nimble and canny rival than in years past, when Tory campaigns were scuppered by ideas that flopped. ÒThere is one thing that Kathleen Wynne fears more than anything else: a Progressive Conservative Party that has the courage to change,Ó he said to a standing ovation at a downtown convention centre. In a reference to the ill-fated Tim Hudak PC election promise in 2014 to cut 100,000 p

March 8, 2016

Brown says that there is “significant opposition” to the curriculum in Scarborough-Rouge River and that his position will likely cost his party votes there.

The curriculum was updated last year, for the first time since 1998, but some parents complained that the government didn’t consult them enough and others were angered by mentions of same-sex relationships, gender identities and masturbation. (Source: National Post)

 

Friday April 15, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Friday April 15, 2016 Patrick Brown admits heÕs ÔupsetÕ with Jack MacLaren Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown insists he has done enough to punish rogue MPP Jack MacLaren. ÒObviously, I was upset,Ó Brown said of MacLaren, who in the past week has been forced to apologize for making a sexist joke about a female Liberal MP in front of 350 people and for posting testimonials from fake constituents on his official website. ÒIt was the totality of events, not one single (thing),Ó said the Tory leader, who removed the Carleton-Mississippi MPP from his largely ceremonial post as chair of the ToriesÕ Eastern Ontario caucus. ÒThis is a post just like a regional minister would be. ItÕs speaking to the riding associations. ItÕs a leadership position in the party,Ó said Brown, who has handed the symbolic title to MPP Jim McDonell (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry). ÒIt was important to express that I wasnÕt happy and thereÕs consequences and thatÕs why he was demoted from that position. The demotion speaks for itself,Ó he said. MacLaren, who brushed past reporters Wednesday after uttering a terse apology for the website ruse, wasnÕt seen at QueenÕs Park on Thursday and could not be reached for comment. But, privately, his caucus colleagues are fuming that he hasnÕt been sanctioned more severely. ÒThis is basically meaningless,Ó said one senior Tory, noting MacLaren never once chaired a meeting of the Eastern Ontario caucus. ÒJack made Patrick look bad and he made all of us look bad,Ó said the insider. The Tory caucus got a much-needed morale boost Thursday afternoon when former prime minister Brian Mulroney dropped by QueenÕs Park to give them a pep talk. ÒIÕm in town to do an event tonight and Patrick, whoÕs an old friend of mine, asked me to come by and say hello to the caucus. We had a great meeting,Ó Mulroney told the Star. (Source: Toronto Star)Êhttp://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2016/04

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 15, 2016

Patrick Brown admits he’s ‘upset’ with Jack MacLaren

Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown insists he has done enough to punish rogue MPP Jack MacLaren.

“Obviously, I was upset,” Brown said of MacLaren, who in the past week has been forced to apologize for making a sexist joke about a female Liberal MP in front of 350 people and for posting testimonials from fake constituents on his official website.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Tuesday March 8, 2016 Patrick Brown sees a new, inclusive Ontario PC party Taking aim at climate change, Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown is signalling his party will propose a ÒsensibleÓ price on carbon emissions. ÒWe have to do something about it,Ó he told about 1,700 delegates Saturday evening at the first PC annual meeting since taking the partyÕs helm in May. ÒSensible carbon pricing doesnÕt have to be a contribution in terms. But it cannot be a cash grab,Ó he added in a reference to Premier Kathleen WynneÕs cap and trade plan, which will add an average 4.3 cents to a litre of gasoline and $5 to homeownersÕ monthly natural gas bills. The line drew lukewarm applause and a shout of ÒnoÓ from one vocal skeptic and some groans in a crowd that came to its feet several times during the 26-minute address. ÒI spoke from the heart,Ó Brown told reporters later, noting he had briefed his MPPs about the stance and got Òpractically universalÓ support. ÒWe have a grassroots party. People are entitled to have divergent opinions. ... ItÕs healthy.Ó Although Brown did not detail how his plan would work as the party begins deliberations on an election platform for 2018 and freshens its face with a new logo, he promised a carbon tax that is Òrevenue neutralÓ to the government and will come with Òcorresponding tax cuts for individuals and businesses.Ó Promoting himself as a ÒpragmaticÓ Progressive Conservative, Brown said the Liberals, who have trounced his party in four elections since 2003, are not expecting a more nimble and canny rival than in years past, when Tory campaigns were scuppered by ideas that flopped. ÒThere is one thing that Kathleen Wynne fears more than anything else: a Progressive Conservative Party that has the courage to change,Ó he said to a standing ovation at a downtown convention centre. In a reference to the ill-fated Tim Hudak PC election promise in 2014 to cut 100,000 p

Tuesday March 8, 2016

“It was the totality of events, not one single (thing),” said the Tory leader, who removed the Carleton-Mississippi MPP from his largely ceremonial post as chair of the Tories’ Eastern Ontario caucus.

“This is a post just like a regional minister would be. It’s speaking to the riding associations. It’s a leadership position in the party,” said Brown, who has handed the symbolic title to MPP Jim McDonell (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry).

“It was important to express that I wasn’t happy and there’s consequences and that’s why he was demoted from that position. The demotion speaks for itself,” he said.

MacLaren, who brushed past reporters Wednesday after uttering a terse apology for the website ruse, wasn’t seen at Queen’s Park on Thursday and could not be reached for comment.

But, privately, his caucus colleagues are fuming that he hasn’t been sanctioned more severely.

“This is basically meaningless,” said one senior Tory, noting MacLaren never once chaired a meeting of the Eastern Ontario caucus.

“Jack made Patrick look bad and he made all of us look bad,” said the insider.

The Tory caucus got a much-needed morale boost Thursday afternoon when former prime minister Brian Mulroney dropped by Queen’s Park to give them a pep talk.

“I’m in town to do an event tonight and Patrick, who’s an old friend of mine, asked me to come by and say hello to the caucus. We had a great meeting,” Mulroney told the Star. (Source: Toronto Star)

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