Rebel MPP Amanda Simard quits Tories over French cuts

Thestar.com
November 29, 2018
Robert Benzie

Maverick MPP Amanda Simard has quit the Progressive Conservative caucus in protest of Premier Doug Ford’s cuts to French-language services.

Simard (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell) resigned from the Tories on Thursday. Her potential departure was first reported by the Star on Friday.

Progressive Conservative MPP Amanda Simard speaks to reporters Nov. 28, 2018 after learning she was not allowed to speak to a motion on protecting French-language services.

“Effective immediately, I am no longer a member of the Progressive Conservative caucus,” Simard wrote in a letter to Speaker Ted Arnott.

“I will continue to take my place in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as an Independent,” she added. “Please advise me if need to take any other steps as a result of this change. Thank you in advance for your continued support.”

Simard, who was the lone francophone member of Ford’s team, quit over the decision to eliminate the French-language watchdog and his cancelation of a French university.

The premier, who did not loop her in on the cuts, expressed frustration with the rookie MPP on Wednesday.

“I want her part of my team,” he said.

The Liberals, who have seven MPPs, have been courting Simard to join their ranks. That would give them eight, which is the threshold for official status in the house.

The Tories are raising that bar to 12 over fears of defections from their benches.