The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Patrick Brown was going to be Ontario's next premier, according to a lawsuit filed by the former Progressive Conservative leader, who alleges his political career and reputation were "demolished" by the reporting of sexual misconduct allegations. The Globe's Justin Giovannetti writes that Mr. Brown resigned after pressure from his party on Jan. 25, hours after CTV News aired a story with allegations from two women that he had provided them with alcohol and acted inappropriately during his time as a federal MP. In a statement of claim filed on Monday, Mr. Brown said the network and its journalists failed to scrutinize the allegations properly.
The Barrie-area politician, who now sits as an independent MPP, is seeking $8-million in damages. The 35-page lawsuit says Mr. Brown was "emotionally devastated" by the story and has suffered from stress and anxiety. The document says CTV gave Mr. Brown only a few hours to respond before the story was broadcast. It says the network's reporting was "false, malicious, unfair and irresponsible." Named as defendants are BCE's Bell Media and CTV News, network president Wendy Freeman, news reader Lisa LaFlamme and others.
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