A veteran legislator who was suspended from the Provincial Progressive Conservative Caucus last month has now been expelled for good.
Randy Hillier was suspended from caucus on February 20th and according to Premier Doug Ford, the suspension was the result of comments Hillier made as parents of children with autism packed the legislature's galleries in protest of the government's recent funding changes.
Meanwhile, Hillier alleges he was being penalized for butting heads with the premier's inner circle.
A letter written by the Tory caucus chair and provided to media says Randy Hillier has been permanently expelled following a review of his behaviour before and after his suspension last month.
In the letter, Daryl Kramp says Premier Ford was disappointed that Hillier "continued to escalate the situation in public" and appeared unwilling to be a team player.
Ford's office did not immediately respond when asked whether the decision was a response to Hillier's statements earlier this week that he had been suspended over long-standing tensions with the premier's top advisers.
Letter to MPP Randy Hillier from PC Caucus Chair Daryl Kramp
Dear Randy:
I am writing to inform you that a decision has been made by the Leader of our Party to expel you from the Ontario PC Caucus on a permanent basis. This decision has been made after a full review of your conduct prior to and after your suspension.
Our Caucus is made up of dedicated men and women who were elected by the people of Ontario with a mandate to get our province back-on-track. These MPPs work constructively together, show up to work, and are committed to implementing the promises we made For the People. When we work as a team, we accomplish great things.
While the Leader was prepared to sit down with you once again to discuss these matters and communicated this publicly on Wednesday, March 13, he was disappointed that in spite of this overture you continued to escalate the situation in public and in a way that demonstrates an ongoing unwillingness on your part to be a team player and to work constructively on finding a solution.
It is very unfortunate it has come to this.
Sincerely,
Daryl Kramp
Caucus Chair