Following recent comments made by Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls, a national representative from Unifor is calling for Nicholls to resign.
Published reports say Nicholls was calling for Premier Wynne to resign, not Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown to resign. Brown stepped down as leader earlier this week after sexual misconduct allegations were made against him.
Reports also say Nicholls feels bad for Brown and still supports him.
National representative for Unifor Canada Aaron Neaves spoke with CKXS News this afternoon.
“It absolutely disgusts me that the fact that Mr. Nicholls would take this issue and expect Premier Wynne to resign. I think that Mr. Nicholls ought to follow Brown’s position, and maybe Mr. Nicholl should resign”, says Neaves.
“The reality is, sexual harassment and domestic abuse has to stop. The only way it can stop is for men in the community – young and old – to step up and take leadership and charge of it”, Neaves says.
Neaves says he’s a father, a husband, and a feminist.
“I commend the women that stepped forward. I think it takes a lot of courage. But that’s only half of the equation. The other half is that the men have to start speaking about this, but I’m not hearing that”, says Neaves.
The Unifor representative said he was unable to reach Nicholls by phone this morning, but he looks forward to seeing him on the campaign trail, as a provincial election is under five months away.
“Mr. Nicholls, I will be there. I will ask the tough questions. Taking this approach and feeling bad for someone like [Brown] is completely off the mark. Nicholls has completely missed it. I hope the people in Chatham-Kent Essex wake up and listen and understand this issue”, says Neaves.
Brown has publicly denied the allegations, but stepped down as leader shortly after making his statement.
