TORONTO -- New Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown got to make a speech in the Ontario legislature on his first day on the job, even though he doesn't have a seat.
Brown was allowed to give the official PC reaction to a speech by Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, and unlike most of his predecessors as Tory leader, was able to do so in French.
Some Liberals complained Brown got a little too partisan by praising Couillard for Quebec's commitment to a balanced budget and its low electricity rates, but he dismisses the criticism.
Brown says if Ontario Liberals feel that complimenting Quebec's economy and energy prices is an attack on their record, they should change their policies.
The 36-year-old Brown, who defeated deputy PC leader Christine Elliott to win the leadership Saturday, says he'll resign as the Member of Parliament for Barrie, Ont., on Wednesday.
But Brown still isn't saying when or where he would seek a seat in the Ontario legislature, and won't say if he's already in discussions with current Tory MPPs who may be willing to step aside for him.
Premier Kathleen Wynne says she wouldn't do anything to prevent Brown from trying to win a seat and wouldn't delay a byelection call after an MPP resigns.
But Wynne says the Liberals will run a candidate against the PC leader in a byelection and won't give him a free pass.
