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Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he feels “let down” by Sen. Patrick Brazeau, the former member of the Tory caucus charged Friday with sexual assault and assault, and released on $1,000 bail.

Harper, speaking at a news conference in Vancouver, says he considers Brazeau’s situation “terrible,” “extremely appalling and disappointing.”

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“We all feel very let down,” he said.

Harper was quick to note, however, that most people in the Senate are hardworking people who take their responsibilities very seriously.

The prime minister said his government has established a procedure, since his party gained control of the Senate, in an attempt to address public concerns about senators remaining in office while court processes go forward.

These provisions, in response to criminal charges brought against former senator Raymond Lavigne, would allow the Senate to suspend a member and cut him or her off from some parliamentary resources such as travel and communication allowances.