Stan Struthers, known as “Minister Tickles, behind his back issued an apology after a number of women came forward saying that the former NDP cabinet minister would often tickle them and make inappropriate remarks.
In a written statement Struthers says that he never intended to treat women as anything but equal and respected.
“I apologize for any interactions I have had that have been inappropriate and that have caused any person to feel disrespected or uncomfortable,” the statement read.
Joelle Saltel-Allard, who was the press secretary for Struthers from between 2009 to 2011, said he often would tickle her and touch her in front of other people.
Saltel-Allard alleges that as she was driving to a news conference with Struthers he put his hand on her knee and told her about sex-acts he would enjoy.
That encounter prompted her to lodge a complaint with her boss who took it forward to more senior people in government.
Saltel-Allard says that she was told to basically shut up and suck it up because an election was looming.
Struthers was first elected in 1995 spent more than a decade in cabinet before deciding not to run in the 2016 election that saw the NDP defeated by the Tories.
Struthers said “I have been fortunate to work with many strong, intelligent and talented women and have always valued these relationships. I believe it’s imperative that workplaces be safe and respectful sites for all.”
He went on to say that he is committed to “learn from this and do better.”
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