After 11 days of silence, MPP Chris Scott has issued a statement announcing he will take a “short leave from partisan and non-essential public appearances.”
In the statement posted on social media at 9 a.m., Scott said he remains “fully committed to serving the people of Sault Ste. Marie as I was elected to do.”
“My office remains open to help residents with casework, government programs, and everyday issues.
“Constituency services will continue without interruption, and my work as your MPP continues,” he said in the statement.
Toronto Police arrested Scott for alleged spousal assault on Sept. 21, at the request of The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. He is charged with assault and assault with a weapon (a high chair) in connection with an alleged altercation on Sept. 19.
On Sept. 22, Premier Doug Ford announced that Scott was no longer a member of his caucus.
Last week Sault-based group Angie's Angels – formed in 2023 after a local woman and three children were murdered in a case of intimate partner violence – called on Scott to resign and so did members of the New Democratic Party.
In a SooToday poll from Sept. 24, 73 per cent of readers said Scott should resign.
SooToday’s editorial board published an editorial on Monday citing why he should step down, including that voters in this riding chose him because he sold himself as a member of the governing party.
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker also called on Scott to resign – “for the betterment of our city.”
Shoemaker said Scott serving as an independent is a major step back for the people who live here.
In his statement, Scott said he has “trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.”
“While the case is before the court, it is inappropriate to comment further about the charges. Out of respect for everyone involved – especially my children – I ask that my family’s privacy be respected through this process,” Scott’s statement said.
He called his work as MPP since the February election “one of the greatest honours and privileges” of his life.
Scott will return to court on Oct. 22.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Scott is considered innocent until proven guilty.
He is being represented by Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer Michael Lacy.
Neither Scott nor Lacy have responded to requests for comment.
Scott's full statement is below:
Statement from Chris Scott, MPP
I want to address the community directly following recent allegations and questions surrounding my office.
I have retained counsel to represent me. I have trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. While the case is before the Court, it is inappropriate to comment further about the charges. Out of respect for everyone involved - especially my children - I ask that my family’s privacy be respected through this process.
Serving this community is one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life. I am taking a short leave from partisan and non-essential public appearances but remain fully committed to serving the people of Sault Ste. Marie as I was elected to do. Constituency services will continue without interruption, and my work as your MPP continues. My office remains open to help residents with casework, government programs, and everyday issues.
Thank you to the many constituents and community leaders who have reached out. Your support means a great deal to me and my team.
Chris Scott, MPP
Sault Ste. Marie