Ontario MPP Chris Scott Ousted from PC Caucus After Arrest for Alleged Spousal Assault

Sault Ste. Marie MPP Chris Scott Removed from PC Caucus After Arrest

**Chris Scott**, the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for **Sault Ste. Marie**, has been removed from the **Ontario Progressive Conservative caucus** following his arrest on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The **Toronto Police Service** arrested Scott after an investigation led by the **Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS)**.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

According to court documents, **Scott**, 35, was arrested in connection with incidents that allegedly occurred on September 19 in **Sault Ste. Marie**. The charges, sworn by a special constable, include assault with a weapon, specifically a high chair, and a second charge of assault. **Scott** appeared in bail court via phone and was charged under his full name, **Christopher van Scott**.

A publication ban restricts the disclosure of much information from the bail hearing; however, details in the charge sheet remain public. **Scott** was released on $5,000 bail with conditions, including no contact with or proximity to the alleged victim, and a prohibition on possessing weapons.

Conditions of Release and Legal Representation

**Scott** is required to reside either at a Toronto-based address or his **Sault Ste. Marie** home, contingent on the alleged victim not being present. He affirmed his understanding of these conditions to Justice of the Peace Sarah Jane Keesmaat. He was represented by **Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer Michael Lacy**, who has not yet commented on the case.

Statements from Key Figures and Organizations

**Premier Doug Ford** addressed the situation at a press conference, stating that **Scott** "will be no longer sitting with our caucus." He indicated he was informed of the situation shortly before the event and directed inquiries to the **Sault Ste. Marie Police**. The **Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP)** has called for **Scott's** immediate resignation.

The **Sault Ste. Marie Police Service** released a statement confirming **Scott's** arrest by the **Toronto Police Service**, adding that no further details would be released to protect the victim's privacy. **Scott**, reached by The Sault Star, called the charges “baseless” and plans to address them further in the future.

Political Ramifications and Background

While **Scott's** removal from the PC caucus does not automatically remove him from his MPP seat, he will now sit as an independent. He narrowly won the **Sault Ste. Marie** riding in the 2025 provincial election, defeating the NDP’s **Lisa Vezeau-Allen** by 118 votes. Before entering politics, **Scott** worked for former **Sault PC MPP Ross Romano** and in **Ford’s premier’s office**.

As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines, **Stephen Lecce**, **Scott** held a backbench position in the government. A scheduled media announcement with **Scott** at the Thrive Child Development Centre has been cancelled. His parliamentary website is currently offline, and a cell phone previously linked to him has been disconnected.

Impact on Northern Ontario

The removal of a Northern government MPP from caucus could potentially affect Northern Ontario's leverage within the government. This could impact initiatives related to highway safety, health-care recruitment, housing, and post-secondary funding.