Ontario member of provincial parliament Chris Scott said the withdrawal of domestic violence charges against him was based on evidence and “fairness,” as he maintained his innocence.
Crown prosecutors told Ontario Court Justice Martin Lambert on Wednesday that they are dropping the charges of assault and assault with a weapon against Scott, who represents Sault Ste. Marie.
Scott was charged for an alleged incident on Sept. 19, 2025, prompting his removal from the Progressive Conservative caucus. Court documents specified the charges were being treated as alleged intimate partner violence and the weapon allegedly used was a high chair.
“These charges were not withdrawn because of a legal technicality, an expired time limit, or because evidence was excluded,” Scott said in a statement Wednesday.
“I did not accept a deal or agree to anything that would compromise my position. I maintained my innocence throughout, and I am grateful that I can finally put this matter behind me.”
Prosecutors said in court that Scott has finished counselling in anger management and did not have a past criminal record or any additional charges since last year. They said a charge against Scott’s wife, who was accused of assaulting him in another incident, was also dropped.
Premier Doug Ford’s office said Scott will not return to the PC caucus after the withdrawal of his charges.
Government house leader Steve Clark reiterated that at Queen’s Park.
“We hold our members to a higher standard,” Clark told reporters on Wednesday.
“When he was charged, we made a decision. I wrote to the clerk to say that he’s no longer a member. He can take a seat as an independent. He can ask questions. He can function as an MPP just like everyone else.”
Scott said he’s glad the conclusion of his court case was “guided by evidence, fairness, and due process.”
He said he recognizes the seriousness of domestic violence allegations and victims of abuse should be heard and supported, but evidence must support the allegations and accused individuals should be treated fairly.
“This matter arose during an extremely difficult and deeply personal period in my life, following the breakdown of my marriage in the summer of 2025,” he said. “Like many families navigating separation and divorce, there have been difficult circumstances and ongoing family law proceedings.”
Scott asked for privacy for his family, saying he wants to protect his children.
“I accept public accountability, and I understand that comes with serving in public office. But public accountability does not mean that every intimate detail of a family’s separation, divorce or private circumstances should become public discussion,” he said.
Scott was elected in February 2025 and continues to sit as an independent member in the provincial parliament.
The NDP, whose candidate finished a very close second to Scott in the election, had called for Scott to resign.
Scott said Wednesday he is committed to serving his constituents in Sault Ste. Marie and will focus on moving forward.
—- With files from Allison Jones
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.
