Premier Doug Ford has suspended PC MPP Randy Hillier for uttering “disrespectful comments to parents of children with autism” in the legislature.Hillier’s comment — “yada yada yada” — came after the end of question period on Wednesday, as MPPs were leaving. New Democrat MPP Monique Taylor was repeatedly calling out to Ford “Doug, was this your vision?” — referring to upset mothers and fathers, some who had been wiping away tears watching MPPs debate the issue.To some, it appeared Hillier’s 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 “continued to politicize the emotional challenges and hardships” of the families present. “In 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,” Hillier said in his statement. “I 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 ‘yada yada yada.’ ”In announcing Hillier’s suspension from caucus, Ford said “this 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.” “I want to listen to every parent, and every family member who wants to share their stories and their asks,” added Ford. “But Mr. Hillier’s comments crossed the line and that is unacceptable.”The statement also said Hillier ...
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