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MP Erin Weir ousted from NDP caucus

May 03, 2018 21:21·
Harassment complaint was retaliation for trying to debate carbon tax: MP

Harassment complaint was retaliation for trying to debate carbon tax: MP

Erin Weir has been kicked out of the federal NDP caucus following several allegations of harassment, Jagmeet Singh confirmed Thursday.

"Singh then notified Weir just before midnight on May 2 that he is being expelled from caucus, not because of the report's findings but because Weir commented publicly and Singh deemed that unacceptable".

Although the initial allegations only covered harassment, a report on the investigation made a general finding of sexual harassment, saying Weir "probably sat or stood too close to people at social events and engaged them in conversation more than they wished to speak with him".

"Recent developments demonstrate Mr. Weir is unwilling to take appropriate responsibility for his actions and therefore any rehabilitative approach is now untenable", the NDP leader said.

Weir alleges the complaint was brought forward by a member of former leader Tom Mulcair's staff in retaliation for Weir having questioned the Trudeau government's national carbon-tax plan and its potential impact on western Canada.

But the NDP leader wouldn't comment after the meeting on Weir's allegations or reveal the results of the investigation conducted by University of Ottawa law professor Michelle Flaherty into the harassment complaint against Weir.

"When I read a summary of complaints, it became clear that I was sometimes slow to pick up on social cues", he said in the release.

The NDP leader said that after reviewing the findings of the third-party investigation, he attempted to pursue a rehabilitative process with Weir that would allow him to stay in caucus if he would take responsibility and complete anti-harassment training.

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While the CBC reported Tuesday that Flaherty found multiple harassment complaints against Weir, and quoted the unnamed complainant, neither it nor the NDP would say whether Flaherty found any of the complaints to have had merit.

Several NDP MPs whom Weir has alleged were involved in the effort to punish him for trying to debate the carbon tax, including Quebec MP Christine Moore and Ontario MP Charlie Angus, refused to comment and referred questions to Singh.

Weir says he spoke to the media because there was no guidance from the Party.

"This lack of basic information made it impossible to properly respond and fell far short of what would have been required by the House of Commons anti-harassment policy".

The release from Weir's office said the NDP leader had initially made a decision to reinstate him based on his willingness to participate in conciliation with any complainants. Weir's statement said he "immediately welcomed" the opportunity.

"Jagmeet Singh is dedicated to a fair process that respects anyone who may have come forward while providing a clear resolution and ensures a safe workplace for all", Blomme said.

Moore, who initially flagged concerns about Weir's behaviour in an email to fellow caucus members in January, did confirm that she had been told the final results of Flaherty's investigation, but would not provide details.

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