Tory MPP Randy Hillier says he has filed a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner at Queen’s Park over what he calls “ethical breaches and unethical activity” by Patrick Brown.
The now Independent Brown chose not to take his seat in the legislature Tuesday – the first day back from the winter break – choosing instead to focus on his campaign to win back PC Party leadership.
In a statement, Hillier says he issued a formal complaint with the Integrity Commissioner for four “infractions.”
Hillier says “These allegations are deeply troubling – for all of the members who conduct business with integrity, and for the people of Ontario who expect politicians to be beyond reproach.”
His complaint also touches on the allegations of sexual misconduct against Brown, allegations Brown has denied and which he has threatened to sue CTV News for reporting. CTV News says it stands by its reporting and will defend against any legal action.
“Notwithstanding Mr. Brown’s assertions that he is somehow magically vindicated of allegations against him of sexual misconduct (merely because he says so), it is clear that the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled against Patrick Brown have NOT[sic] been withdrawn,” Hillier’s complaint reads. “The victims stand by their stories and it could be strongly argued that Mr. Brown’s attempts to malign the victims in and of itself is conduct unbecoming an elected member.”
The full complaint can be read here and Hillier’s affidavit can be viewed here.
Hillier has been a vocal critic of Brown on social media in recent days, taking to Twitter to say Brown is unfit to be a member of the PC Party, let alone party leader.
My statement why @brownbarrie is unfit to be a member of the PC caucus, the leader of the PC Party, or the Premier of Ontario #onpoli #PCPOLdr pic.twitter.com/b78kMWubCi
— Randy Hillier (@randyhillier) February 18, 2018
Speaking on CFRA’s News and Views with Rob Snow early Tuesday afternoon, Hillier stopped short of calling Brown “corrupt” but did call him a liar.
“For the last year and a half, the eastern Ontario members of caucus engaged in substantive, serious discussions with Patrick Brown and his senior people over the disputed nominations, over the ballot stuffing, over the fake memberships,” Hillier says. “Throughout that course of time, we were always led to believe he was going to take action and clean up this stuff. We realized that all he was ever doing to us was lying to us. There was no endeavor to be truthful or to be honest.”
Hillier called out Brown’s one-on-one interview with Global News, in which he cast aspersions on the process of his resignation as PC Party leader, saying Brown lied and “impugned the reputation and integrity of every member of his caucus.”
Hillier’s complaint comes less than a day after a Globe and Mail story was published alleging Patrick Brown received $375,000 through a deal to sell aeroplan miles and an owning interest in a Barrie restaurant to a man who later went on to become a PC Party candidate.
Hillier alleges Brown did not properly disclose the $375,000 bank deposit.
The Globe and Mail story is cited in Hillier's complaint with the Integrity Commissioner.
Brown tweeted that his personal information was stolen, and that the alleged deal outlined in the Globe did not take place, showing a picture of an affidavit saying the deal was void.
A former member of my senior staff stole my personal financial information and then deceptively provided an incomplete and misleading version to the Globe. Attached is the 2016 affidavit that proves the "deal" reported by the Globe never happened. pic.twitter.com/siLX1gorJQ
— Patrick Brown (@brownbarrie) February 20, 2018
He added that the $375,000 deposit came from family, to help him cover a down-payment on a home.
Brown also took to Facebook to deny allegations of fraudulent party memberships and missing fees.
“There are accusations of false Party memberships and missing monies. There is absolutely zero truth to either accusation,” Brown said. “I am confident that the Chair of the PC Ontario Fund and the CFO of the Party would attest to no financial irregularities.”