MP says he’s innocent of sexual harassment
Facing calls for his expulsion from the federal Liberal caucus over sexual harassment allegations, Calgary Skyview MP Darshan Kang is declaring his innocence.
In a statement i ssued Tuesday by his office, Kang said he has been on medical leave from the stress caused by the allegations.
“While I cannot comment directly on an open, ongoing investigation, I continue to proclaim my innocence and will defend my reputation at all costs,” he said.
The Hill Times has reported that Kang is being investigated over allegations of sexual harassment and could face expulsion from the Liberal caucus. CharlesEric Lepine, spokesman for government whip Pablo Rodriguez, said in an email Monday that when the government became aware of the allegations it referred them to the House of Commons’ chief human resources officer.
In a news release, NDP MP Sheila Malcolmson said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should immediately dismiss Kang from caucus.
“In the past, the prime minister has advocated a ‘ zero tolerance’ approach to handling allegations of sexual harassment by Liberal MPs,” said Malcolmson.
“Yet the prime minister has failed to act and refused to comment, even though the allegations against Mr. Kang surfaced weeks ago.”
Asked at Monday’s cab- inet shuffle whether Kang would be expelled, Trudeau said Parliament has created formal processes to deal with allegations of misconduct by MPs since his government took office.
“I can assure you that our whip’s office and the human resources of the Parliament of Canada are engaged as they must be in the process and I have no further comment at this time on the independent process,” said Trudeau.
In a Toronto Star story Tuesday, the father of the alleged victim accused Kang of offering up to $ 100,000 to the woman for her not to come forward with the allegations.
Malcolmson said Kang should not be allowed to sit with the government caucus until the investigation is completed. “That is exactly the approach the prime minister previously espoused and acted upon; I am at a loss as to why he has refused to take similar action in response to these allegations.”