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ONTARIO: Ford suspends caucus member ‘indefinitely’ for comments to parents of autistic children

It is unclear exactly what Hillier said but the government has been under fire about a new autism program Ford announced last week

Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP Randy Hillier has been suspended from the Ontario PC Caucus “indefinitely,” according to Premier Doug Ford’s office.

“Hillier has been suspended indefinitely following his disrespectful comments to parents of children with autism,” a statement said on Wednesday.

“This is no doubt that this is the toughest file I have ever worked on. Minister MacLeod began reviewing the program her first day and developed a fair, equitable and sustainable program for all children and families,” Ford said.

It is unclear exactly what Hillier said but the government has been under fire about a new autism program Ford announced last week.

Dozens of parents were at the legislature on Wednesday to voice concerns about the new program that they say provides inadequate funding for their kids to get the treatment they need.

Sources told Global News some parents said Hillier told them “yada yada yada” as they attended question period.

“I want to listen to every parent, and every family member who wants to share their stories and their asks,” Ford said. “But Mr. Hillier’s comments crossed the lined and that is unacceptable.”

Hillier did not immediately respond to request for comment.

–Global News with files from The Canadian Press