NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Singh confirmed that allegations of harassment have been levied against Saskatchewan MP Erin Weir. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has shot down former member Erin Weir’s request for an external review of the investigation into harassment allegations against him.

“That is unacceptable,” Singh told reporters after Wednesday’s party caucus meeting. “That sends a bad message — that I would accept that type of behaviour, and I do not want to send that message.”

The former Saskatchewan NDP MP released a statement asking for an outside authority, such as the House of Commons human resources office or a human rights tribunal, to review the investigation that resulted in Weir’s expulsion from the NDP caucus.

“I have never wanted to prolong this situation by appealing or taking legal action,” said Weir in the statement. “Instead, I made a good-faith effort to participate in the process set out by Mr. Singh, (to) apologize to those who felt uncomfortable and complete all the remedial actions discussed with me.”

The initial three-month investigation conducted by a University of Ottawa professor found credible evidence to link Weir to one allegation of harassment and three others of sexual harassment. As a result, Weir was kicked out of caucus and told he can’t run for the party in the future.

Singh said the investigation process and the decision was “difficult” for him as a leader, but he stands by what happened.

“I really feel, as a leader, it’s my responsibility to set a positive example, that if I’m committed to building a safe workplace, then I have to stand up for that principle.”

The decision taken by Singh has caused divisions within the NDP family, especially in Saskatchewan, where some 67 key members of the party have called for his reinstatement.