MLA accused of harassment taking medical leave, not seeking re-election

MLA Cliff Graydon says he is taking a medical leave of absence and will not seek re-election in the 2020 provincial election.

Graydon was accused of harassment when he allegedly told a staff member to sit on his lap at a function earlier this month.

The comment was brought to the attention of the party's caucus and was "dealt with internally," said Justice Minister Cliff Cullen when he was asked about the incident this week.

Graydon, who represents the electoral division of Emerson, did not say what the medical issue is, citing privacy reasons, but did acknowledge that he recently made inappropriate remarks to a staff member at the Manitoba Legislature.

"I have apologized fully and unequivocally to the impacted individual for my remarks, which the individual has accepted," Graydon said in a statement emailed Wednesday. 

"In addition, I would like to offer the same full and unequivocal apology to my colleagues, my constituents, and, most of all, my family, all of whom expect and deserve a greater level of respect than I have demonstrated."

Graydon also said he will be taking sensitivity and respectful workplace counselling, to be determined by caucus leadership.

PC caucus chair Wayne Ewasko issued a brief statement Wednesday that said the PC caucus was aware of Graydon's statement and is still planning on meeting next week for further discussion on the matter.

Read Graydon's full statement below: 

"Recently, I made inappropriate remarks to a staff member at the Manitoba Legislature. I have apologized fully and unequivocally to the impacted individual for my remarks, which the individual has accepted. In addition, I would like to offer the same full and unequivocal apology to my colleagues, my constituents, and, most of all, my family, all of whom expect and deserve a greater level of respect than I have demonstrated.

"In light of this incident, and after a great deal of contemplation, I have also made a number of decisions that I wish to share publicly.

"I acknowledge that everyone has the right to a safe and respectful workplace. As such, I will be taking additional, more comprehensive sensitivity and respectful workplace counselling, to be determined by caucus leadership.

"I have come to the decision that, while I plan to serve the remainder of the current term, I will not be seeking re-election in the next provincial election in 2020. Representing the good, hard-working people of the Emerson constituency since 2007 has been one of the greatest honours imaginable but, after over a decade of service in the Manitoba Legislature, it is time for me to move on to the next chapter of life.

"I am also announcing that, effective immediately, I will be a taking a medical leave of absence. While the nature of my health concerns are private, taking care of my health in the short term is the best decision for my family and I in the long term."