Ont. gov't resignations follow separate inappropriate conduct allegations
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Two separate allegations of inappropriate conduct have triggered a pair of high-profile resignations in the Ontario PC government.
On Monday, Premier Doug Ford’s office announced a cabinet shuffle to replace former economic development, job creation and trade minister Jim Wilson who, according to a statement from the premier’s office, stepped down last week to “seek treatment for addiction issues.”
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These issues specifically concern alcohol abuse, the Sun has learned.
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Multiple sources confirmed to
the Sunthat Wilson is also the subject an inappropriate conduct complaint from a political staffer.
The male complainant alleged an intoxicated Wilson made inappropriate comments and sexual passes towards him.
Also on Monday, executive director of issues management and legislative affairs Andrew Kimber stepped down, the subject of his own improper conduct allegations.
Separate sources say Kimber — a now-former prominent member of the premier’s inner circle of advisors — is accused of sending sexually-inappropriate text messages and other content to fellow staffers and party members.
Prior to joining the premier’s office in June, Kimber served for three years as deputy director of issues management with the Ontario PC Party from 2011 to 2014.
A veteran PC MPP in the riding of Simcoe-Grey, Wilson was elected in the 1990 provincial election and served in both the Mike Harris and Ernie Eves cabinets.
He also served as interim party leader following Tim Hudak’s resignation in 2014.
Invitations for comment from both Wilson and Kimber have not been responded to.
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume
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