Horwath calls for Phillips to be removed from cabinet

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement in response to Ford’s decision not to punish Finance Minister Rod Phillips for his two-week Christmas vacation in St. Barts:

“While the government demands sacrifice from everyday Ontarians, Rod Phillips chose to ignore public health advice, jet off to St. Barts, and create an elaborate cover-up on social media.

It’s not believable that a senior member of cabinet didn’t tell the premier’s office he was leaving the country for weeks during the height of a global emergency. If he didn’t, that in itself would be enough reason to demote him.

Because of his lack of judgment and lack of honesty, Doug Ford must kick Rod Phillips out of cabinet.

There is a pattern of these guys behaving like rules don’t apply to them. From Sam Oosterhoff to Rod Phillips and Doug Ford himself.

Everyday folks were separated from aging parents during the holidays. They’ve missed nearly a year of birthdays, first steps or other milestones for grandbabies, nieces and nephews. And they’ve cancelled their dream vacations, destination weddings and trips home.

Asking regular people to sacrifice while Ford’s insiders live the high life is wrong, and it has to stop.”