The petition is directed to Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP). Citizens want and deserve to be represented by elected officials at all levels of government who exhibit qualities of sound character and integrity.

Recent events in Ottawa surrounding the conduct of Ottawa Centre Member of Provincial Parliament, Joel Harden are of growing concern to Ontarians who find his past and recent conduct unacceptable. Extensive evidence continues to mount that Harden has more than likely falsified the events surrounding an alleged physical altercation at a protest on June 9, 2023 in which he contends he was a victim. Recent contradictory statements by Harden to social media and journalists have shown his accounts to be less than credible.

This is exemplified by the following article which provides embedded examples of such evidence: 

https://tnc.news/2023/06/12/ndp-mpp-claimed-punched/ 

Previous antisemitic remarks by Harden in August 2021 show a troubling pattern of unacceptable conduct rightfully garnering widespread condemnation are cited below:

https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-new-democrat-mpp-apologizes-for-2021-comments-that-perpetrated-an-antisemitic-stereotype-1.6161334 

As a new Party leader this is an opportunity to raise the bar on requiring appropriate conduct of your MPPs. 

We, as citizens in Ontario find Harden's behaviour and lack of judgement appalling and as such implore you to remove him from the NDP caucus.