April 7, 2016
Patrick Brown, MPP (Simcoe North)
Leader, Official Opposition
Room 381, Main Legislative Building, Queen’s Park
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A8
Re: Jack MacLaren
Mr. Brown:
Your claim that misogynistic comments and behaviour will not be tolerated in the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario is not reflected in your tepid statement that, as Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP Jack MacLaren has apologized to Kanata-Carleton MP Karen McCrimmon, there will be no further action taken in this matter.
It took thirteen days for Mr. MacLaren to issue a forced apology.
Jack MacLaren’s sexist, ignorant and lewd comments not only insulted Ms McCrimmon and her husband, but all Ontarians. He is a reflection on your leadership – which you chose not to exercise by not asking for Mr. MacLaren’s resignation. This is 2016. Sexual harassment is unacceptable anywhere in the world. Canadians expect their leaders to act, not just talk.
Unfortunately, this latest incident, at a fundraising event on March 24th to combat cancer attended by many local residents, including Ottawa Senators General Manager Brian Murray, who is battling cancer, underscores a pattern of behaviour in Mr. MacLaren. For example, he supports the radical men’s rights group, the Canadian Association for Equality. Despite its name and stated mandate, the CAFE has issued numerous statements in support of Jian Gomeshi.
The Carleton-Mississippi Mills Women’s Liberal Association, the Kanata-Carleton Women’s Liberal Association, the Nepean Women’s Liberal Association, and the Ottawa-Vanier Women’s Liberal Association all work to promote and facilitate community-based action that strengthens women in politics, to the benefit of all Canadians.
Nothing less than the resignation of Jack MacLaren is satisfactory.
Yours sincerely,
Presidents
Carleton-Mississippi Mills Women’s Liberal Association
Kanata-Carleton Women’s Liberal Association
Nepean Women’s Liberal Association
Ottawa-Vanier Women’s Liberal Association
