NDP leader says he was unaware of 'impropriety' allegations against Moore

NDPLeaderJagmeetSingh said he and his team were not aware of theallegations of inappropriate conduct against caucus member Christine Moore, despite the complainant's claim that it was an open secret in Ottawa.

Afghanistan veteran Glen Kirkland toldCBCMooreapproached him after his testimony before a parliamentary committee five years ago and invited him to her office, where she gave him alcohol then followed him back to his hotel and later sent him explicit messages.

"This came out right when it happened and everyone knew about it," Kirkland toldCBC'sThe Current.

Kirkland alleges Moore, a nurse, offered him gin even after he told her he was taking antidepressants and painkillers, and was not supposed to be drinking.

He said what happened next was consensual but he felt he would not have been in that situation if Moore hadn't been a member of Parliament.

"She took advantage of her position," he said.

Singh said he only learned of the allegations this week.

Singh says he was unaware of any impropriety

6 years ago

Duration 0:42

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he was unaware of any impropriety by MP Christine Moore until sexual harassment allegations were brought forward against her by an Afghan war vet.

"Knowing about a relation is one thing, knowing about the specific allegations that were brought forward by the CBCspecifically outlining some impropriety, that was absolutely unknown to me, unknown to the team the impropriety of it," Singh told reporters.

Singh, who took the reins of the federal party in October 2017 after serving as an Ontario NDPMPP, also said he was unaware of any relationship between Kirkland and Moore.

In a statement emailedTuesday, Singh said Moore had been suspended from her duties pending an investigation.He said Moore's role in caucus will be re-evaluated oncethe investigator's work is complete.

She remains a member of the NDP caucus.

Singh said members of the caucus will be encouraged to contact the independent investigator if they have information to impart.

When contacted by theCBC for an interview earlier this week, Moore said she wanted to wait before speaking.

On Tuesday she released astatement. In it, she said she welcomes the opportunity to participate in the investigation process.

"Out of respect for the fairness and the integrity of the process, I will not be commenting further on these allegations at this point," she said.

Earlier this year, Moore sent aletter complaining about fellowNDPMP Erin Weir's behaviour, saying he was the "last person" who should get the job of caucus chair.

That prompted an investigation that turned up harassment and sexual harassment complaints against Weir.

He was kicked out of caucus just last week.

Singh said Weir was expelled after it became clear that"a rehabilitative approach is no longer possible."

Weir said he was kicked out because he spoke publicly about his case.

Singh said Moore's involvement in the Weir investigation isn't relevant to this new probe.

"If there's an allegation, we'll take it seriously and an inquiry will take its course. It should not in any way impeach somebody's credibility about other complaints and other issues," he said.