THUNDER BAY – Derek Parks is adamant that each and every Progressive Conservative member in the province have their say in the party’s next leader.
He’s not sure some of the the people surrounding newly installed interim leader Vic Fedeli agree.
Parks, who serves on the Ontario PC’s executive, is also a candidate for the party in Thunder Bay-Superior North and was a backer of now-disgraced former leader Patrick Brown, said it looks like there might be a move afoot to seize control of the process to select his replacement.
This has Parks deeply troubled, with just four months to go until the June 7 provincial election.
“I think there is a fear out there that it may be hijacked,” Parks said, reacting to reports the PC Fund was being frivolously spent to cover lawsuit fees, adding it’s being used to help the Progressive Conservatives win the next election.
“I feel there’s an attempt to undermine the executive and the PC Fund and try to come out this week and say we don’t have the fund (to hold) a leadership (race),” Parks said. “I’m here to categorically deny it and say that should not happen.”
He added the membership has made it clear it wants an opportunity to have a say in who leads the party into and beyond the next election
“The reality is the membership has that right to pick that leader and it’s only fair for all of Ontario to know who we truly stand beside,” Parks said. “Going into the election with an interim leader is not showing confidence in the people of Ontario and the People’s Guarantee.”
Parks on Monday said he’s coming forward to ensure a leadership convention before the election takes place, likely in March.
He knows he could pay a political price.
“The knives are coming out. Anyone associated with Patrick Brown is kind of shown the door. I don’t think they’ve gotten to me because I don’t believe they feel I was any type of threat with the games that are being played.”
Brown was accused last Wednesday in a CTV News report of sexual misconduct against two unidentified women, and initially vowed to fight the charges and remain as leader. His decision led to a mass exodus of the party leadership, which in turn convinced Brown to walk away.
Fedeli, who could still run in a leadership race, was given the interim reins, but vowed he is the party leader in his first interview.
On Monday Ontario PC Party president Rick Dykstra also resigned after being accused of sexual assault. Brown resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct by two women in a CTV News report.
Parks said he expects there to be pressure exerted to convince him to change his mind, but he promised to stand his ground.
He made it clear Fedeli was not to blame.
“There’s a lot of money in politics and there are a lot of people with a vested interest, saying ‘If I back Vic and we do this, I’m the one who gets my head in the trough.’ And I think that is so wrong on such a fundamental level,” Parks said.
Parks said he been reassured there is enough time to elect a new leader and still have enough traction to topple the Liberal government in June.
“I think that’s more than enough time to get our leader out there. The platform’s made. It’s one of the most extensive processes I’ve ever seen. And that’s a winnable platform.”
Parks says he welcomes anyone into the race, including controversial former Toronto mayoral candidate Doug Ford, who on Monday announced he will seek the party's leadership.
