Northern Ontario MPP Chris Scott has been removed from Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative caucus after being charged with assault and assault with a weapon.
The Premier’s Office confirmed in an email Monday that Scott is no longer a caucus member, though it did not provide a reason. Speaking at a news conference later in the morning, Ford declined to comment directly. “Go to the Sault Ste. Marie police,” he told reporters, adding that he had just learned of the matter.
Court officials in Sault Ste. Marie confirmed Scott faces the charges following an incident on Friday. He appeared in court Monday morning, was released from custody, and must follow conditions including avoiding contact with individuals tied to the case.
Sault police previously said Scott was arrested by Toronto police, though the details of their role remain unclear.
Scott, 35, narrowly won the Sault Ste. Marie seat in February’s provincial election, defeating NDP candidate Lisa Vezeau-Allen by just 114 votes. Before entering politics as an MPP, he worked as a special adviser in Ford’s office and also served in the office of former Sault MPP and cabinet minister Ross Romano.
The investigation remains ongoing in Sault Ste. Marie.
