Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown has finally turfed controversial MPP Jack MacLaren from caucus after a fourth incident embarrassing to the party.MacLaren’s ejection Sunday came after CFRA Radio in Ottawa posted a video of him from 2012 disparaging bilingualism in East Ontario.“You don’t have to convince me what’s wrong with French-language education in Ontario,” the Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP told people lamenting French-language requirements for many jobs in the Ottawa area.“You’re right, but you won’t hear it because we’re trying to get elected. We have lots of things that we’re going to do that we won’t say before the election because we won’t get elected,” he continues.That fourth transgression was the tipping point for the Tory leader.“I am building a modern, inclusive Ontario PC Party one where it doesn’t matter where you’re from, who you love, where you worship, what language you speak, or how much money you make,” said Brown.“Unfortunately, I have come to the conclusion that Jack MacLaren does not share these values. Once again, Jack MacLaren has been caught making comments that are unacceptable. This video is the final straw. I have expelled Jack MacLaren from the PC caucus. The expulsion is indefinite. He will not be a PC candidate in the next provincial election,” said the Tory leader.Brown, who speaks French and recently hosted a Franco-Ontarian day at Queen’s Park to showcase his party’s new focus on bilingualism, had defended MacLaren after his three past gaffes.“Each time Jack MacLaren is caught making disparaging or insensitive remarks about others he asks for forgiveness and a second chance. And a third chance. And a fourth. And each and every time, he has disappointed those who have put their trust in him,” the PC chief said.“This video is part of a pattern with ...
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