‘We take these allegations extremely seriously’
Kent Hehr resigns from Liberal cabinet after being accused of making inappropriate sexual remarks 10 years ago
Kent Hehr has resigned from the federal cabinet after the sport and disabilities minister was accused of making inappropriate sexual remarks while a provincial politician.
The allegation, which stems from his time as an Alberta MLA a decade ago, was first levelled against Hehr on social media late Wednesday. By Thursday afternoon he was out of cabinet pending an investigation.
“Harassment of any kind is unacceptable and Canadians have a right to live and work in environments free from harassment,’’ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
“As a government we take any allegations of misconduct extremely seriously, and we believe that it is important to support women who come forward with allegations and that is exactly what our government will do.’’
Lawyer Christine Thomlinson has been engaged to conduct an independent investigation for the government.
Trudeau characterized Hehr’s resignation as a “leave of absence’’ and said, in the meantime, his duties will be performed by Science Minister Kirsty Duncan.
The accusation of misconduct was first disclosed on social media by Kristin Raworth, who spoke out about her interactions with Hehr in an interview Thursday.
The former employee at the Alberta legislature said when she started her job, she was warned against being alone with Hehr but ended up in elevators with him because they worked in the same building.
“My very first experience with him was in an elevator when he called me yummy,’’ she said.
“And at the time I was 25 years old. I was very naive about that and I didn’t know how to react, I didn’t know how to respond when someone is saying this to you.’’
Raworth said subsequent encounters included similar remarks or efforts to brush up against her. Upon talking with female colleagues, she realized others had experienced similar things.
In a statement Thursday, Hehr did not directly address the allegations but said he believes harassment is never acceptable and everyone deserves to have their voice heard.
“Throughout my career I have always tried to conduct myself with respect towards others and I understand the most important thing is how each individual feels,’’ he said.