Couillard ready to meet with Sklavounos
Premier Philippe Couillard says he’s ready to sit down and talk to Laurier-Dorion MNA Gerry Sklavounos about his future.
One day after allowing Liberal Guy Ouellette back into caucus pending the results of a police investigation in which he was arrested, Couillard said he’s willing to talk with Sklavounos who last year faced allegations of sexual assault.
Couillard said he wants to “clarify” things with Sklavounos, who was kicked out of the Liberal caucus in 2016 and now sits as an independent.
“There are other elements to discuss with him, but you are right to say … the report of the DPCP clearly said no criminal act had been committed,” Couillard said Wednesday in an interview with FM93 radio.
“We all agree with that. On the other hand, other stories apparently circulated. We want to clarify these with Mr. Sklavounos. That’s all.”
Sklavounos was at the centre of a controversy in 2016 when a Quebec City woman, Alice Paquet, alleged in a speech at a vigil for sexual assault victims at Université Laval that she had been sexually assaulted by an MNA.
The Crown prosecutor’s office later cleared Sklavounos, saying no crime had been committed.
There have also been other reports of National Assembly staff who alleged he acted inappropriately toward women.
Sklavounos returned to the legislature, but Couillard said he would not be allowed back into caucus until he gave a clear signal that he respects women.
Sklavounos apologized if he offended anyone but noted nobody complained to him personally.
Couillard responded saying he was hoping for more introspection about “how he (Sklavounos) feels about others who may have been injured in the process.”
Sklavounos has kept a low profile since, but Couillard chose to respond to questions about his status in the radio interview.
“We have things to clarify with him,” Couillard said. “I am not conducting an investigation. I am not an investigator. There are no investigators in my office. We will speak to Mr. Sklavounos.”
Later, Sklavounos told reporters, “If the premier wants to meet me, I will meet him.”
But Sklavounos added he feels he is a Liberal “in his soul,” and did not close the door to running in the next election for the party if allowed.
“The decision is not taken,” he said. “There is a family involved. There are two young children, there may be a third announced soon. These are all factors which can affect the decision.”
He refused to discuss the allegations, insisting he has “turned the page.”
Meanwhile, although Ouellette is back in the Liberal caucus, he did not get his wish to return as head of the institutions committee. He was given instead positions on the planning and culture and education committees. The demotion represents a loss of about $25,000 in salary.
If the premier wants to meet me, I will meet him. GERRY SKLAVOUNOS, Laurier-Dorion MNA