Integrity commissioner launches inquiry into Patrick Brown

Ontario’s integrity commissioner has launched an inquiry into Patrick Brown after accusations of mismanagement and corruption were made by a fellow MPP last week.

The Honourable J. David Wake said the inquiry comes at the request of Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Randy Hillier.

Hillier filed a complaint alleging Brown “engaged in dirty and crooked politics,” and asked the commissioner to investigate the former leader’s travel and finances.

Hillier, who has voiced his support for another leadership candidate, told reporters Brown is not fit to be an Ontario legislator, much less party leader or the premier of the province.

Brown responded to Hillier’s allegations Thursday, sharing a copy on social media of a two-page letter to the integrity commissioner that called the accusations “entirely fictional” and a “crass attempt to spin the legal as illegal.”

“It is unfortunate that Mr. Hillier, a legislator who claims to represent hard-working taxpayers, has opted to usurp the resources of a taxpayer-funded institution such as the Office of the Integrity Commissioner to fight an internal party leadership race,” Brown wrote.

A report will be filed with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario once Wake’s inquiry has been concluded.