CBC apologizes to MP over misconduct allegations
OTTAWA — The CBC apologized to NDP MP Christine Moore on Thursday for failing to meet all of its editorial standards.
The network said in a story published on its website last May that Moore was the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former soldier.
CBC’s article was picked up by other media and the Quebecbased MP was then suspended from her caucus duties.
The CBC said in a statement Thursday that Moore was asked in May to respond to the allegations but requested more time, which the broadcaster acknowledged it did not provide but should have.
Moore strongly denied the relationship with Glen Kirkland was anything but fully mutual and consensual, and CBC said it was apologizing to Moore for any inference to the contrary.
In a statement, the MP for the Abitibi-Temiscamingue riding said she was happy CBC had “acknowledged the facts” and offered an apology.
“Here’s another entity that confirms my version of the facts as well as the mutual and consensual nature of my brief relationship with Glen Kirkland in 2013 when I was single,” she said.
Moore told The Canadian Press in a brief phone conversation she has dropped her plans to sue the CBC for defamation.
She said she is still evaluating whether to pursue legal action against Kirkland and two other media outlets that reported on the story.
An investigator’s report absolved Moore last July of any wrongdoing, prompting NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to restore her caucus duties.
On Thursday, Singh said he welcomed the network’s apology but was not surprised by it.
“I think (the apology) is appropriate,” he said. “I have full confidence in Christine and
I look forward to continue to work with her now that she’s been fully reintegrated into caucus.”
Kirkland, a retired corporal, accused Moore earlier this year of inappropriate behaviour and abusing her power in their relationship in 2013.