MPP Hillier pays price for refusing to join pom-pom squad

March 18, 2019

TORONTO — Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the open letter from MPP Hillier:

“The allegations regarding the Premier’s decision to remove MPP Hillier from the PC caucus raises serious questions about our democracy. This is the second PC caucus member who has left the government benches for putting the people who elected them first.

This is yet another example of how the concentration of power in the Premier’s office undermines the ability of MPPs to represent their constituents.

I’m especially troubled by allegations that MPP Hillier was told that a condition of his reinstatement to caucus was that he would be required to support the Ford government ‘even when the government is in violation of the law or engaged in unlawful activity.’

We need more integrity at Queen’s Park, not less.

MPPs are elected to work for their constituents, not to be a high priced pom-pom squad or a purveyor of propaganda for the Premier.

The power of the Premier’s Office to insist on blind allegiance is one of the biggest problems in our democracy. It forces MPPs to sacrifice their beliefs and the interests of their constituents for blind partisanship.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Hillier has paid the price for refusing to join the pom-pom squad.”

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