Conservatives drop candidate over sexual allegations

HALIFAX — Troy Myers, the federal Conservative candidate for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, resigned Monday over a sexual assault accusation.

The party issued a release Monday saying it learned of the “serious allegation” against Myers on Sunday evening and instructed him to withdraw his candidacy and he agreed.

Lauren Skabar, Myers' accuser, wrote on her Twitter account Sunday that she was sexually assaulted by Myers in the fall of 2019 while attending a Nova Scotia Library Association conference. She said the event was hosted by South Shore Public Libraries where Myers is chief librarian and CEO. She also begged people not to vote for Myers.

In the recent provincial election, Skabar ran as the NDP candidate in Cumberland North.

Myers issued a statement on his Facebook page Monday confirming his resignation but denying the accusations, calling them defamatory.

“Last night, false statements were made about me on social media,” said Myers.

"These statements, about untoward behaviour and inappropriate contact are unequivocally false.

“For the best interests of my loved ones and my colleagues and career I have taken the difficult decision to back from politics and focus all my attention and efforts to fight these defamatory false statements. I have already consulted legal counsel to review all options.”

SaltWire Network reached the woman on Monday. She said she wouldn't be speaking to the media about the incident.

She said she's incredibly relieved that Myers' stepped down from the race and that she's very thankful for the support she's received.