More harassment allegations expected after Manitoba asks former staff for input

Manitoba's premier says he is expecting an upswing in allegations now that the province is encouraging former civil servants to share their experiences as part of a review of government harassment policies.

"The goal here is to make sure this is a harassment-free place, that the government — not just here in the building, of course, but more broadly — is a safe place for your children to come to work," Pallister said Tuesday.

The Progressive Conservatives announced a "no wrong door" policy in February after female staff came forward with allegations that a former NDP cabinet minister tickled and groped them. The women alleged that their complaints about Stan Struthers, who left politics in 2016, were never addressed.

Former NDP premier Greg Selinger said he never saw the behaviour but he apologized and later resigned his legislature seat.

Pallister has said there were also two complaints about inappropriate conduct reported since the Progressive Conservatives took office in 2016. He has not revealed details but has said the situation was dealt with "to the satisfaction of the complainant."

The government hired a law firm to review policies around such complaints and has started consultations with current employees.

Former public servants and political staff have now been invited to participate through written submissions and a survey. The government says the information will be kept confidential.

"We are dealing with this harassment issue and we are dealing with it openly," Pallister said.

The survey's goal is to determine the nature and prevalence of harassment, to hear about people's experiences reporting it and to gather recommendations for improving the workplace.

Pallister wouldn't say how many more allegations had been made but said numbers are expected to increase when "you create a culture that's more open, where people are more confident they can come forward."

Manitoba's New Democrats set up a separate commission following the allegations against Struthers and released a report during the party's convention earlier this month. The report said there had been a "toxic culture" of sexual harassment and bullying in the party.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said they plan to enact the report's recommendations, which including mandatory anti-harassment training. But creating a "safer space for everyone" must involve all parties, he said.

"There are a few things we need to do with other parties or the government because we can't control things like the civil service."

The firm hired by the government is expected to submit its report and recommendations this summer.