PC byelection candidate insists his 2016 work in Caribbean wasn't tied to Nygard

Progressive Conservative byelection candidate Kevin Kleinsayshis work with amedical research organizationin the Caribbean in 2016 has no connection with disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard, despite NDP allegationshe isn't telling the truth.

On Monday, the NDPcited news articles and court documents tochallenge the timeline Kleinhas established regardinghis work relationship with Nygard,theformerhead of a multimillion-dollar clothing company who has since been accused of sexual assault.

Klein, a former Winnipeg citycouncillorand recent mayoral candidate,previously said he worked brieflyfor Nygardat two different points: for four months in2012 and for two weeks in December 2013.

While Kleinsaid he never saw anything untoward when he made two visits to Nygard's estate in the Bahamas,the Winnipeg politiciansaid he quit working forNygard because he did not like the way he conducted business.

"I left because my integrity wouldn't allow me to work for somebody like that," Klein said in a CBC News interview on Friday.

Klein listed as 'private-sector partner'

But the NDP alleges Klein didn't step away from his business dealings with Nygard in 2014 as he acknowledged. Klein disputes that, saying he had no relationship with Nygard while working withtheSt. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation.

A 2016 news articlein thesmall island nation ofSaint Kitts and Nevis lists Klein as a "private-sector partner" for a regenerative medical projectin the same country. The article also lists the St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation as apartner.

Regenerative medicine, andparticularly stem cell therapy,was an area of significant interest for Nygard.He made the bold claims that stem celltreatments weremaking him look and feel younger.

In 2015, Nygard was said to be working on astem cell research and treatment centre in Saint Kitts and Nevis, according to an intergovernmental organization of Caribbean countries. Apress conference held to discuss this workwas organized by the St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, the organizationsaid.

As well, documents from a 2019 court judgment which do not involve Kleinordered the disclosure of a"public relations campaign package"put together forthe "new venture as per the commitment given by Mr. Kevin Klein and or St. Kitts Institute for Regenerative Medicine Ltd."

The NDP alleged a connection between Klein and Nygard, house leader Nahanni Fontainetoldquestion period on Monday. She accused him of "lying."

"Does the premier think it's OK for Kevin Kleinto mislead Manitobans about when he worked with Peter Nygard?"

However, Klein arguedthe NDP is making a link that doesn't exist.

"I do not believe Nygard Biotech or Nygard had any interest in the internationally-recognized medical research organization, The St. KittsBiomedical Research Foundation. Certainly not with any work I was involved in," Klein wrote in an email.

He said he met with many biotech executives, foundations and medical researchers during his four months with Nygard's biotech firmin 2014.

"After I had ended my employment with that company, I was approached by an organization in 2016 to assist in their communication efforts for the launch of clinical trials associated with Parkinson's research in St. Kitts and Nevis," his email read.

Connection questioned again

Klein has had to answer for his connection to Nygard numerous times as a city councillor, mayoral candidate and now aspiring MLA since sexual assault allegations against the fashion executive drew international attention followinga class-action lawsuit in early 2020.

Nygardhas been in custody sinceDecember 2020, when he was arrested at a Winnipeg home after he was charged with ninesex-related counts in New York. Hefacesextradition to the United Stateson those charges.

He is also now accused of 11 counts of sexual assault and three counts of forcible confinement in Toronto, related to allegations fromthe late 1980s and mid-2000s, and has been charged withone count each ofsexual assault and forcible confinement in Quebec.

The accusations have not been proven in court.

Nygardspent much of the 2010s advocating for stem cell technology, which he seemed to treat as a fountain of youth.

"Look at my before and after pictures," he saidin avideo. "I've gone from anti-aging to reverse aging."

Stem cell therapy,also known as regenerative medicine, isdesigned to repair damaged cells within the body, but its effectiveness remains in question. Researchers have warned thesafety andefficacy of sometreatments havenot been proven.

'Witch hunt' against Klein

On Monday, Klein alleged the NDP and the Liberals a few daysearlier are involved in a "desperate attempt to discredit mein hopes of gaining any kind of traction in theKirkfieldPark byelection,"which will fillthe seat left vacant afterScott Fieldingresignedin June.

"The NDP and Liberal witch hunt clearly indicates they are afraid of my political record and the work that I achieved when serving much of Kirkfield Park as the citycouncillor," Kleincontinued.

The PCs have held the riding for much of its 30-plus years in existence, except for a period from 2007 to 2016 when the NDP held it.

Four candidatesKlein, the NDP'sLogan Oxenham, Liberal candidateRhonda Nichol and the Green Party'sDennis Bayomi are vying for theseat. The vote will take place on Dec. 13.