A Second Canadian Politician Is Being Accused Of Sexual Misconduct And Here's What Justin Trudeau Had To Say About It
It seems like this week is the one for Parliament Hill scandals to trickle into the forefront. Just hours after Conservative leader Patrick Brown resigned as party leader due to some pretty grizzly sexual misconduct allegations, another case of a Canadian cabinet member allegedly acting inappropriately has come to light.
Kent Hehr, Liberal minister for sports and people with disabilities has been accused of sexual misconduct via Twitter from Kristin Raworth, an Alberta public servant. Raworth, who was motivated to come forward by both the #MeToo movement as well as Patrick Brown's resignation had this to say about her experience working with Hehr:
My poltical #metoo movement @kinsellawarren . I’ve debated this. But that’s the power of sexual harassment. My first day working at the Alberta legislature I was told to avoid being in a elevator with Kent Hehr. He would make comments. He would make you feel unsafe https://t.co/Wm0pDWLvwZ
There is literally no woman who worked in the annex who didn’t experience this. He made verbally sexually suggestive comments to all of us , who In an elevator with me and only me said “you’re yummy”. Seems nothing but ask me how many woman share stores about him?
My story and most of our stories thankful don’t end with assault but they end up in fear. In a community of that women who told each other about the man who scares you in an elevator
He is now a federal cabinet minister. In the government of a man who claims to believe in gender equality. So let’s test that @JustinTrudeau I’m not alone in my experience and I know so many women have experienced this. So get rid of him
I’ve had six women confirm tonight that they too experienced this. I imagine this is the tip of the iceberg #ableg #cdnpoli @liberal_party
Justin Trudeau, (who is currently in Davos, Switzerland for a World Economic Forum) responded to the allegations with a press conference held today. According to him, Raworth's claims are being taken "very seriously".
Adding, "My thoughts turn immediately to the women who came forward, knowing how difficult it is, it can be, to salute them for their courage and their leadership," he said. "I certainly hope their example will resonate and that the support of their friends, their families and the community at large remains with them."
And in response to Kent said, "I haven't had the opportunity to speak directly with Kent. I will in the coming hours and we will have more to say before the plane lifts off tonight," he said.
Kent, who is no stranger to past contriverary, has yet to respond to the allegations but there is confirmation that his office will be responding soon. As for his role in the cabinet, he has at this time made no move to resign and has not been put on leave.
Source: CBC