N.B. Speaker suspended from caucus amid harassment allegations

The Speaker of the New Brunswick Legislature has been suspended from the Liberal caucus immediately amid allegations of harassment, Premier Brian Gallant announced Thursday night.

A former employee of the legislature made the allegations against Chris Collins, who also represents the riding Moncton Centre, Gallant said during a teleconference with media at 6:30 p.m. AT.

Gallant declined to say whether the former employee is a man or a woman, or whether the allegations are of a sexual nature, saying it is not his place to do so.

Any workplace harassment is unacceptable.- N.B. Premier Brian Gallant

The government may take other steps, pending an independent third-party investigation, he said.

"Further action will be considered following the conclusion of the investigation."

Collins, 55, could not immediately be reached for comment.

It's unclear what this will mean for his political future. New Brunswick goes to the polls on Sept. 24 but a Liberal MLA who is suspended from caucus can't run for nomination. The nomination for the Liberals in that riding has not yet been held.

'Personality conflicts'

Gallant said staff in his office had previously been made aware of "personality conflicts" between Collins and the former employee in question, although he did not indicate when.

The employee was subsequently transferred to "an alternate employment setting," he said.

Gallant said his office learned on Feb. 17 that allegations of harassment might be coming. The former employee was contacted that same day and asked for time to "consider the options," he said. 

It was confirmed Wednesday that the former employee was making the allegations, Gallant said.

"Any workplace harassment is unacceptable and government will take prompt and appropriate action in this situation, and whenever such allegations are brought forward."

"It is crucial that we ensure that workplaces are safe and respectable for all people, in all situations."

Asked whether police are investigating, Gallant said he is unaware of any other investigations.

The Fredericton Police Force and the New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees could not immediately be reached for comment.

Collins was elected on March 5, 2007, in a byelection held to fill a vacancy in the constituency of Moncton East.

He had previously served three years as a Moncton city councillor.

In 2010, Collins served briefly as the minister of local government under former Liberal premier Shawn Graham.

He was re-elected in 2014 to represent the newly created riding of Moncton Centre and was elected Speaker.

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