Cleared of sexual assault allegations, Sklavounos vows to fight for gender equality
MNA for Laurier-Dorion speaks in public for 1st time since being cleared last week
In his first public address since being cleared of sexual assault allegations, Montreal MNA Gerry Sklavounos says he will work to uphold the "fundamental value" of gender equality.
Sklavounos, 42, left the Liberal caucus last October after a Quebec City woman, Alice Paquet, accused him of sexually assaulting her.
To those who I offended in spite of myself, know that wasn't my intention and I sincerely regret it.- Gerry Sklavounos
He took medical leave from the National Assembly soon after. He has maintained his innocence since the allegations came to light.
Following an investigation by Quebec City police, the Crown announced last week it had determined no criminal act had taken place and as such, Sklavounos would not face charges.
In a news conference at his riding office on Thursday, Sklavounos appeared calm and controlled as he read a prepared statement and answered questions from reporters.
"If, in my attempts to socialize, to create friendships or to break the tension in awkward situations, I offended or made others uncomfortable, that is unacceptable and inappropriate to me and I will be more careful going forward," he said, with his wife Janneke by his side.
"To those who I offended in spite of myself, know that wasn't my intention and I sincerely regret it."
'Difficult time'
Flanked by members of the Laurier-Dorion Liberal Association, he also thanked his constituents and members of the Greek community for their support.
Describing himself as an "extroverted, voluble and passionate" person, Sklavounos said he has always tried to be as respectful as possible, both in his professional and personal life.
He said this "difficult time" in his life allowed him to reflect on his actions and how they may have been perceived.
When asked if he was a changed man, Sklavounos said he believes he's a better man, then turned to look at his wife, who smiled at him.
He said he was advised to turn the experience into a positive one, and is now dedicated to promoting gender equality.
"Equality between men and women is a fundamental value of our Quebec society … and for me, it is non-negotiable," he said.
He vowed to uphold that value, both in the workplace and in society as a whole, and work with groups to create a more egalitarian province for all, including his two sons.
"Every time I speak, every time I write, every time I socialize, I intend to become an example of how it's got to be done," he said
Sklavounos said he plans to return to the National Assembly next week.
Return to Liberal caucus?
Sklavounos was first elected in the Montreal riding of Laurier-Dorion under the Liberal banner in 2007.
Premier Philippe Couillard spoke about Sklavounos Thursday before having a chance to review his statements.
"I'll have to take the time to look at it properly and discuss with our caucus," Couillard said.
"But I'll repeat what I said a few days ago, the reality is, the eventual reintegration of Mr. Sklavounos into the Liberal caucus is neither automatic or immediate."
Last week, Couillard said Sklavounos's return to the Liberal caucus hinges, in part, on him making a "sincere statement" on his views about relationships between men and women in the workplace.
Sklavounos acknowledged it's not up to him to decide whether he can return to the Liberal caucus, but said his views align best with the governing party.
"I'm a Liberal in my heart," he said.
Calls to denounce rape culture
Shortly after Sklavounos made his statements, Paquet posted on her Facebook page that she was still processing how the events unfolded.
"I will comment publicly once I've wiped away my tears a bit," she wrote.
She called on people to attend a Feb. 15 rally against rape culture and denounce Sklavounos's return to the National Assembly.
Paquet said Sklavounos sexually assaulted her on two occasions in 2014 while she was working as a restaurant hostess.
Despite being asked repeatedly, Sklavounos never gave a clear answer about his relationship with Paquet.
with files from Elysha Enos