Former Liberal MPP faces sexual assault allegations

Wynne says she’s been told, but politician was never part of her or McGuinty’s cabinet

Awoman alleges she was groped and propositioned by a former Liberal MPP and subjected to his “chronic inebriation” — and that her initial complaint, more than a decade ago, went ignored.

The former political staff member sent a letter outlining the 2006 sexual assault allegations three weeks ago to an email address for Premier Kathleen Wynne and was contacted by a lawyer earlier this week seeking to discuss the incidents.

Wynne told reporters at the Toronto auto show on Friday that her constituency office in Don Valley West was first contacted about the unnamed former politician.

“My office has received information that involved troubling allegations related to an MPP who held a cabinet office portfolio at one point, left the legislature many years ago and was never a member of my or premier (Dalton) McGuinty’s cabinet,” she said.

Given that description, the former MPP would have served in the cabinet of David Peterson, who was Liberal premier from 1985 to 1990, and possibly remained a member of the legislature for years afterward under subsequent party leaders.

“Since becoming premier in 2013, I have not been informed of any complaints of this nature against any member of my cabinet,” said Wynne, who has, however, dealt with complaints about at least two MPPs, including Kim Craitor (Niagara) who was forced to resign five years ago over sexual harassment allegations.

Wynne said legal counsel was asked to contact the complainant, who is represented by lawyer John Nunziata. He first tweeted the allegations Thursday night.

Nunziata told the Star the initial complaint was lodged in 2006, but nothing was done.