The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Trudeau attacked over candidate facing harassment complaints
Former Liberal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-raybould has launched a blistering attack on the prime minister for standing by a candidate who is facing numerous allegations of unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate comments to women.
Despite Justin Trudeau saying he had “zero tolerance” for people who engaged in harassment or intimidation, the prime minister is allowing Raj Saini to stand as the Liberal candidate in Ontario’s Kitchener Centre.
After the CBC reported the story, Wilson-raybould tweeted, “Anyone who has a responsibility to address this and does not is not fit to lead. Anyone who stands by and does nothing is complicit. Anyone who is surprised has not been paying attention.”
Wilson-raybould lost her job as justice minister when she clashed with the prime minister over the Snc-lavalin scandal.
The CBC reported Tuesday that Saini faces allegations of inappropriate behaviour that span six years.
The broadcaster said it had seven sources who described four different instances where Saini allegedly made unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate comments.
One former staffer said she had filed a Canadian Human Rights case against Saini and later tried to take her own life.
Saini denied the allegations, telling the CBC he took the health and safety of his staff “extremely seriously.”
“Protecting my staff and ensuring they are respected is not something I take lightly,” he told the CBC.
The 54-year-old pharmacist has represented the riding since first being elected in 2015.
When asked about Saini on the campaign trail Tuesday, Trudeau said the Liberals took the issue of workplace harassment seriously.
“I’ve said many times and will continue to insist that everyone deserves to have a safe workplace, in the public service, in political campaigns, and right across the country in whatever jobs they have,” said Trudeau.
Without addressing any specific complaint, Trudeau did appear to acknowledge there had been issues.
“Mr. Saini has shared the processes, there have been rigorous processes undertaken that he has shared the details of,” Trudeau said. “We know that it is extremely important to take any allegation seriously, which we certainly have, and we always will because everyone deserves a safe workplace.”