‘Attack on democracy’: Karahalios responds to Hillier QP sanction

Not every elected Ontario MPP is on board with a decision to authorize the Speaker to bar Randy Hillier from participating in the chamber at Queen's Park.

The vote was held Tuesday, a message of sorts from the government to show their disapproval for the MPP's “continued disreputable conduct.”

It calls on him to apologize for what Calandra called racist and discriminatory statements about federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, and for social media posts that Calandra says were insinuating a call to violence.

The motion says the Speaker is authorized to not recognize Hillier in the legislature until the member for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston publishes written apologies and the Speaker is satisfied with their sincerity.

Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios, who also currently sits with the New Blue Party of Ontario, said on Twitter that banning elected representatives is “an attack on democracy,” no matter their views.

“An MPP's job, above all else, is to represent constituents in the legislature,” she said. “Hillier has voted twice in 15 months. Pursuant to their deal, the PCs just gifted him an excuse for permanent absenteeism.”