In Sault Ste. Marie, MPP Chris Scott, who was recently expelled from Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative caucus, was scheduled for a court hearing in his riding but chose to remain at Queen’s Park instead. The arrest and charges of assault and assault with a weapon against Scott occurred on September 19.
During the hearing, a representative for lawyer Michael Lacy requested an adjournment of Scott’s case until after the counsel pre-trial on November 4. The matter is set to be revisited in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom on November 12.
Following his expulsion, Scott now serves as an Independent MPP. While he was absent from the Legislature’s first session since June on Monday, he was present in Toronto on Tuesday, seated away from Ford and the PC party.
Despite calls from various public figures, including Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker, urging him to resign, Scott expressed eagerness to resume his duties, stating his confidence in his abilities. Denying the allegations of spousal assault, he reiterated his trust in the judicial system and looks forward to his court appearance.
Scott mentioned receiving support from some former PC caucus members but clarified no communication with Ford, acknowledging the premier’s busy schedule. While he has refrained from partisan activities like door-to-door campaigning and fundraising, Scott assured constituents that his office remains open and anticipates providing further updates once the legal matter is resolved.
