Politics

NDP MP Erin Weir suspended after harassment allegations

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the party received an email detailing allegations of ‘harassing behaviour’ by Weir toward a female party member

OTTAWA — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Saskatchewan MP Erin Weir has been temporarily suspended from his duties amid allegations of harassment.

Singh calls it a troubling allegation that he takes very seriously.

However, he also says the information comes not from the target of the behaviour, but from a third party who was made aware of it.

Singh says an independent investigator has been appointed to look into the allegation and that while Weir will remain a member of the NDP caucus, his duties will be curtailed pending the outcome.

Singh says the allegations, contained in an email received by the party, involve “harassing behaviour” toward a female party member.

Weir, 35, a former economist with the United Steelworkers union, was first elected in 2015 in the riding of Regina-Lewvan.

In a statement that was issued prior to Singh’s news conference, Weir protested his innocence, but also pledged support for the party’s investigation.

“As politicians, we are placed in a position of public trust. We are, and should be, held to the highest possible standards and it is absolutely right that our party has a process to investigate any allegations of harassment,” the statement said.

“However, I do not know what is being alleged. I am confident that I have not harassed anyone and welcome a prompt investigation to clear my name.”

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.