The member of provincial parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has broken his silence, more than a week after being removed from Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government for facing criminal charges.
Chris Scott, 35, issued a statement Thursday, saying he wanted to address the allegations that he committed assault and assault with a weapon on Sept. 19.
“I have retained counsel to represent me,” it says. “I have trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. While the case is before the court, it is inappropriate to comment further about the charges.
“Out of respect for everyone involved— especially my children— I ask that my family’s privacy be respected through this process.”
Scott, who’s now an Independent in parliament, said he’s stepping away from some duties, but his office remains open to serve constituents.
“Serving this community is one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life,” he said in the statement.
“I am taking a short leave from partisan and non-essential public appearances, but remain fully committed to serving the people of Sault Ste. Marie as I was elected to do.”
Scott worked in Ford’s office before being elected to the northern Ontario riding in the February provincial vote, defeating New Democrat candidate Lisa Vezeau-Allen by just 114 votes.
Several groups and prominent people in the Sault, including Mayor Matthew Shoemaker, have called for Scott to resign his seat, but in his statement, he said he has also had support from the community.
“Thank you to the many constituents and community leaders who have reached out. Your support means a great deal to me and my team,” it reads.
Scott is set to appear again in court in Sault Ste. Marie on Oct. 22.
The premier’s office said on Sept. 22 that Scott would no longer be a caucus member, but no reason was given.
Later, during a news conference in eastern Ontario on another topic, Ford was asked about Scott’s exit, but only told reporters to check with police, saying, “I don’t want to interfere in a police investigation.”
The Sault Ste. Marie courthouse earlier confirmed the charges against Scott.
