Second N.L. minister out of cabinet pending review

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A second minister in less than a week is out of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cabinet as the governing Liberals are under increasing fire for how they handled bullying complaints.

Premier Dwight Ball said Monday that Dale Kirby is out of the Liberal caucus and his role as education minister while allegations from members of the house of assembly about his behaviour are reviewed.

“This morning I received complaints from MHAs about the minister,” Ball told the legislature during question period. “We’ve addressed these promptly.”

Kirby is the second minister to step aside after similar complaints saw Eddie Joyce leave caucus and his municipal affairs and environment portfolios last week. In that case, Ball said he acted immediately after receiving formal complaints early Wednesday — two days after the Opposition raised cryptic questions about potential harassment in Liberal ranks.

Joyce faces allegations of harassment by Service N.L. Minister Sherry Gambin-Walsh, along with a Progressive Conservative member.

Ball would not confirm details, except to say the complaints against both ministers are not sexual or physical in nature.

He said the commissioner for legislative standards will investigate the allegations as part of attempts to halt bullying in provincial politics.

Former Tory premier Paul Davis, who led questioning in the legislature Monday, asked why Ball didn’t act sooner.

NDP Leader Gerry Rogers has blasted what she described as indiscrete and ham-fisted handling of the allegations.

She called Monday for a more comprehensive harassment code for those working in government.