The member of provincial parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has damaged his silence, greater than every week after being eliminated from Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative authorities for dealing with felony fees.
Chris Scott, 35, issued a press release Thursday, saying he needed to handle the allegations that he dedicated assault and assault with a weapon on Sept. 19.
“I’ve retained counsel to symbolize me,” it says. “I’ve belief and confidence within the felony justice system. Whereas the case is earlier than the court docket, it’s inappropriate to remark additional concerning the fees.
“Out of respect for everybody concerned— particularly my kids— I ask that my household’s privateness be revered by this course of.”
Scott, who’s now an Impartial in parliament, mentioned he is stepping away from some duties, however his workplace stays open to serve constituents.
“Serving this group is likely one of the best honours and privileges of my life,” he mentioned within the assertion.
“I’m taking a brief depart from partisan and non-essential public appearances, however stay totally dedicated to serving the folks of Sault Ste. Marie as I used to be elected to do.”
Amid calls to resign, Scott says he has help
Scott labored in Ford’s workplace earlier than being elected to the northern Ontario using within the February provincial vote, defeating New Democrat candidate Lisa Vezeau-Allen by simply 114 votes.
A number of teams and distinguished folks within the Sault, together with Mayor Matthew Shoemaker, have known as for Scott to resign his seat, however in his assertion, he mentioned he has additionally had help from the group.
“Thanks to the numerous constituents and group leaders who’ve reached out. Your help means a fantastic deal to me and my group,” it reads.
Scott is about to look once more in court docket in Sault Ste. Marie on Oct. 22.
The premier’s workplace mentioned on Sept. 22 that Scott would not be a caucus member, however no motive was given.
Later, throughout a information convention in japanese Ontario on one other matter, Ford was requested about Scott’s exit, however solely informed reporters to examine with police, saying, “I do not need to intervene in a police investigation.”
The Sault Ste. Marie courthouse earlier confirmed the fees towards Scott.
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