Politics

Liberal MP Francis Drouin faces sexual assault allegation

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Alleged incident occurred early Saturday in Halifax, hours before Liberals took part in anti-harassment forum

Francis Drouin, Liberal MP in the riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, faces an allegation of sexual assault. (CBC)

Police are investigating after a Liberal MP from Ontario was accused of sexual assault following an incident in Halifax early Saturday morning.

Halifax Regional Police says the alleged assault happened just after 2 a.m. AT on Brunswick Street across from Citadel Hill in downtown Halifax, close to where the Liberal Party policy convention was being held.

"I can confirm that an allegation has been made," said a statement from Francis Drouin's office that was provided to CBC News on Sunday.

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"I believe it is important for individuals to have a safe environment to come forward, share their stories and be supported."

It added that while no charges have been laid, Drouin, who represents the riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, will co-operate fully with the investigation.

A spokesperson from the office of the government whip confirmed Drouin is still a member of the Liberal caucus.

Drouin hosted a panel discussion with Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay on Saturday afternoon, after the alleged incident is said to have occurred.

A Liberal source, who spoke to The Canadian Press on the condition of anonymity, said 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.

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The alleged incident is said to have occurred just hours before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Liberal MPs took part in a closed-door workshop at the convention on how to create safe, harassment-free workplaces.

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The session, called "From #MeToo to never again: creating safe work environments," was closed to the media so delegates can share personal stories.

Liberal MP Kent Hehr, who stepped down from his cabinet post in January pending an investigation into complaints of sexual harassment against him, also attended.

Leaving the hour-long session on Saturday, Trudeau called it a "great ongoing part of an important conversation."

With files from The Canadian Press