Liberal MP confirms harassment allegation

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 co-operating 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, but police would not confirm if the assault allegation involved Drouin or anyone from the Liberal convention.

A spokesman for the police said he was unaware of any other allegations made about incidents in the area over the weekend.

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

The allegation became the talk of the convention, which several Liberals said had a good vibe overall until this happened.

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.