Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault speaks with the media in Toronto on Sept. 12, 2016.Peter Power/The Canadian Press
A Progressive Conservative politician is accusing Ontario's energy minister of "crocodile tears" after he became emotional talking about the impact of a bribery scandal on his family.
Glenn Thibeault choked up Tuesday while saying that it has been difficult to explain to his nine-year-old daughter that he is not "a bad man."
The Crown lawyer prosecuting two Ontario Liberals on Election Act bribery charges said this week that Thibeault "sought certain benefits" as part of his conditions to leave his job as an NDP MP and run in a byelection for the provincial Liberals.
Thibeault is not charged, but is named in a charge faced by the premier's former deputy chief of staff, who is alleged to have promised to get Thibeault "an office or employment" to induce him to become a candidate.
The opposition parties have called on Thibeault to resign, and Progressive Conservative Steve Clark said today that if the minister wants to show his family he is an "honourable man" he will step aside.
The Liberal benches in question period howled in outrage at Clark's suggestion, with Finance Minister Charles Sousa shouting, "You got kids, pal?"