Manitoba NDP leader wants former premier to resign over ex minister’s alleged tickling

WINNIPEG — Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew is asking former premier Greg Selinger to resign his legislature seat so the party can move on from allegations that a longtime former cabinet minister tickled and groped female employees. Selinger apologized Tuesday following harassment allegations by numerous women against Stan Struthers, an NDP cabinet minister from 2003 to 2014.

The women said Struthers touched them in front of others, but Selinger said he never witnessed any inappropriate behaviour.

“Our government and political party failed them,’’ Selinger said. “Too many suffered in silence for too long. I want to apologize so that the voices of these women can be heard.’’ Selinger said allegations that have come to light made him sick and he wishes more had been done under his watch. “I wish that these incidents of sexual harassment were brought to my attention. The grotesque incidents that have been brought to light during the past few days happened under my watch,’’ he said. “As such, I must take responsibility for our inaction in addressing these incidents.’’