TORONTO - Three exiled Progressive Conservatives are trying to find their way back into the Ontario legislature, a move that would bolster the party's ranks after an ill-fated tax protest and last spring's crushing byelection defeat.
Randy Hillier and Bill Murdoch, who were kicked out of the chamber two months ago for their sit-in over the harmonized sales tax, may have found a way to shorten their banishment.
And Laurie Scott, who stepped aside last year for ex-leader John Tory, is trying to get her central Ontario seat back by seeking the Conservative nomination ahead of the 2011 provincial election.
Hillier and Murdoch are banned from the legislature for the remainder of the session, which could deprive the Opposition of two members until after the 2011 provincial election.
But the party has discussed a possible resolution with Speaker Steve Peters that would allow them return to their seats once the legislature returns Feb. 16, Murdoch said.
The two Conservatives would have to be "called to the bar," which would require them to stand at the door of the legislative chamber, offer an apology to the Speaker and ask for permission to return to their seats.
Peters was unavailable for comment Thursday, but has expressed his discomfort in keeping elected politicians out of the legislature.
Murdoch, who triggered the planned protest by calling Premier Dalton McGuinty a liar in the legislature, said he's willing to apologize to Peters.
"As far as what we said about the Liberals, that stands," he added.
"But this isn't political now. It's his house and both Randy and I upset his house."
While the Conservatives knew Murdoch's "liar" remark would get him ejected from the chamber, the feisty member refused to leave. With Hillier joining him, he staged a 44-hour protest in the legislature.
Hillier and Murdoch apologized to Peters when they ended the sit-in on Dec. 2, but it wasn't recorded because the two had already been ordered to leave and weren't recognized by the Speaker.
The two could also return to the legislature if McGuinty prorogues the session and starts a new one in the spring with a budget and speech from the throne.
The call for two byelections on March 4 has fuelled speculation that McGuinty will prorogue to give new ministers more time to get up to speed on their files after last month's cabinet shuffle.
Scott, who currently acts as caucus liaison and special adviser to Opposition Leader Tim Hudak, will have to wait longer for a shot at the legislature, even if she secures the Conservative nomination in her old riding of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.
Many of her former constituents were upset when she stepped aside last year to give Tory a chance at a seat in the legislature, she said.
Tory lost the riding to Liberal Rick Johnson and resigned the leadership soon after.
Scott, whose father was a longtime federal MP, said she expects to face tough questions from voters if she ends up running again.
"Some understand a little bit clearer now my intent than then, because the emotion was a large factor," she said.
"But the people spoke. I'm sorry the way things worked out for Mr. Tory and for the riding, but I loved representing the people and I want the opportunity, if I could, to do it again."
