An independent investigation into allegations of misconduct involving Sen. Don Meredith will be referred to Senate Ethics Officer Lyse Ricard on Thursday, CTV News has learned.
The investigation – which Meredith previously denied exists -- found that eight people who worked for the Conservative-appointed senator left his office over allegations of verbal and sexual harassment or bullying, sources told CTV’s Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife.
Six of the eight accusers spoke directly to investigations; two spoke to a senior Conservative.
Among the allegations is that a Senate guard told her superiors Meredith had suggested she come up to his office so he could handcuff her.
Another woman told CTV News that Meredith allegedly tried to kiss and hug her and called her “sweetie.”
There was a pattern to the behaviour over the past three-and-a-half years, according to the report.
Staffers also allege Meredith took publicly-funded trips to New York City and Washington, but rarely showed up at the events he was supposed to attend.
Meredith has been given a copy of the investigation report. CTV News was unable to reach him for comment on Wednesday.
It’s now up to the ethics officer to recommend what the Senate should do in Meredith’s case. Possible sanctions include suspension without pay and a public apology in the Senate chamber.
Meredith was removed from the Conservative caucus last month after the Toronto Star reported he had a sexual relationship with a teenager.
Days earlier, Meredith had denied the existence of an independent investigation into workplace harassment and bullying.
“(I’m) not under any investigation whatsoever,” Meredith told Fife at the time.
Senate Speaker Leo Housakos, however, confirmed a “workplace assessment” had been commissioned to look into Meredith’s office because of “a high turnover of employees.”
Meredith was appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2010 to represent Ontario.
“Following careful review and discussion of the information contained in the report, the Steering Committee concluded it was imperative that the matter be referred to the Senate Ethics Officer,” according to a statement released by Housakos on Thursday.
“Senator Meredith has been informed of this decision and will receive a copy of the report.”
With a report from CTV News Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife
Speaker's Statement: Workplace Assessment 2015-07-16 E
