Premier Doug Ford has suspended PC MPP Randy Hillier for uttering âdisrespectful comments to parents of children with autismâ in the legislature.Hillierâs comment â âyada yada yadaâ â came after the end of question period on Wednesday, as MPPs were leaving. New Democrat MPP Monique Taylor was repeatedly calling out to Ford âDoug, was this your vision?â â referring to upset mothers and fathers, some who had been wiping away tears watching MPPs debate the issue.To some, it appeared Hillierâs heckling was aimed at the NDP, though other MPP witnesses in the house at the time say it was aimed at parents.Hillier quickly released a written apology, saying he was addressing Taylor and was upset at how the New Democrats âcontinued to politicize the emotional challenges and hardshipsâ of the families present. âIn my 12 years in office I do not recall any member heckling a spectator in the gallery and all banter is always between members on the floor of the house,â Hillier said in his statement. âI apologize to the parents present who may have felt that my comments were directed at them; they were not, and never would be. At the end of question period as members were leaving their seats, Monique Taylor continued to politicize these hardships so I caught the eye of Ms. Taylor and simply said to her âyada yada yada.â âIn announcing Hillierâs suspension from caucus, Ford said âthis is no doubt that this is the toughest file I have ever worked on. Minister (Lisa) MacLeod began reviewing the program her first day and developed a fair, equitable and sustainable program for all children and families.â âI want to listen to every parent, and every family member who wants to share their stories and their asks,â added Ford. âBut Mr. Hillierâs comments crossed the line and that is unacceptable.âThe statement also said Hillier ...
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