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North Island-Powell River MP comments on ousting of Saskatchewan caucus member

Blaney stands by NDP leader over harassment dispute
North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney
IN AGREEMENT: North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney [left] recently said she agrees with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh [right] on his decision not to give in to some party members regarding the ouster of a caucus member. Contributed photo

North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney said she fully supports NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s decision to remove a Saskatchewan MP from caucus after allegations of sexual harassment.

In May, Erin Weir was expelled after a party investigation supported allegations made against him. Weir then worked with a professional trainer to deal with the matter and asked Singh to reinstatement him.

“Sadly this is the time in the world that we're seeing a lot of women come forward with stories that are very uncomfortable and hard to hear,” said Blaney, the NDP deputy whip and critic for seniors. “It was an unfortunate circumstance and I continue to stand with my leader on making this very decisive decision in a very hard and changing field.”

On September 11 at a party caucus meeting in Burnaby, Singh said he will not overturn his decision to expel Weir and cave in to what he called intimidation by privileged people.

Weir’s case for reinstatement was supported by 68 Saskatchewan NDP politicians who signed a letter calling for his reinstatement.

“We've seen several sad stories from MPs from all the different parties and some of those people are no longer belonging to their party anymore,” said Blaney.

The first-term MP said she has heard stories on Parliament Hill and more women are coming forward with personal accounts, including some that have been directed at her.

“I've challenged a few other male members of parliament who have referred to me and my female colleagues as girls in a not so polite way,” said Blaney. “This conversation is very broad. It could be a simple comment that is not very polite and doesn't recognize women in the dignity they should be recognized.”

Blaney added that by holding to decisions such as Singh’s, she is hopeful an environment can be created in which it is safe for women to speak.