Trudeau addresses harassment in politics as Hehr skips caucus meeting

OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – After spending nearly a week in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is back at home and addressing the issues of harassment against women. During his brief speech, he took direct aim at the issue while speaking to his caucus on Sunday ahead of the spring sitting of Parliament.

Over the past week, several Canadian politicians were forced to step down following allegations of sexual misconduct and one of the accused include Liberal Kent Hehr who resigned from cabinet.

He talked about the priorities of the federal government this spring. And he addressed the recent harassment controversies saying this issue is a systemic problem, adding the government will always defend women and has a responsibility to believe them when they step forward.

“Making workplaces better, safer, more welcoming places for women. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”

He didn’t directly address the claims against Hehr, who remains in Liberal caucus as an investigation is underway.

Heritage Minister Melanie Joly was asked about the claims outside the meeting. “I’m proud of all the women and men that have decided to speak up because time’s up. As for Mr. Hehr, the process is underway.”

Other Liberals like Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould say they are awaiting the outcome. “Sexual harassment on [Parliament] Hill is a very serious issue and we need to take it seriously, but we also need to make sure that we’re allowing due diligence and due process.”

Hehr did not attend today’s caucus meeting.

During today’s speech, the prime minister also boasted about last week’s signing of a new, comprehensive international trade agreement — known as the CP-TPP — that Trudeau said included significant gains for Canada over the previous Trans-Pacific Partnership approved by the previous Conservative government.