Liberal MP target of groping allegation

Drouin says he’s ‘co-operating fully’ with probe

OTTAWA • Liberal MP Francis Drouin says an allegation has been made against him following an incident at the party’s convention in Halifax this weekend.

Drouin, a 34-year-old MP from eastern Ontario, was described earlier this year as a rising star in the Liberal Party, with a firm grip on the agriculture file and standing as the most-lobbied backbencher on Parliament Hill.

In a statement released to the media and sent to Liberal MPs and staff Sunday, Drouin said he wanted to address “reports of an incident” in Halifax.

“I can confirm that an allegation has been made,” said Drouin. “I believe it is important for individuals to have a safe environment to come forward, share their stories, and be supported. While no charges have been laid against me, I am cooperating fully with the investigation.”

A Liberal who asked not to be identified said on Saturday Drouin was telling people at the convention that a woman had accused him of groping her backside at a bar near the convention site in downtown Halifax.

“He was rattled,” said the source, who added Drouin denied having done it.

Halifax Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault which took place in the 1700 block of Brunswick Avenue in downtown Halifax around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, but would not confirm any other details of the incident. The location and timing is similar to the information the Liberal source was given.

“Where it is an active investigation, we are unable to provide any other details,” said Sgt. Brian Palmeter.

The alleged incident took place about 12 hours before the party held an hour-long seminar for MPs and staff called “From #MeToo to never again: creating safe work environments.” Prime Minister Trudeau was one of the attendees at the session. He said Saturday one seminar was not going to provide all the answers but that it was a good step forward.

Liberal party whip Pablo Rodriguez had not responded to a request for comment as of Sunday afternoon, including whether the party has launched its own investigation or whether Drouin will remain as an MP pending the outcome.

Drouin did host a panel discussion with Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay on Saturday after the alleged incident occurred.

The party’s policy on caucus membership is unclear during these situations. Trudeau himself has said every situation is different, but has many times taken a zero-tolerance approach. In 2014, prior to becoming prime minister, he suspended Newfoundland and Labrador MP Scott Andrews and Montreal MP Massimo Pacetti after allegations of sexual misconduct involving NDP MPs.