NDP MP Perreault suspended from caucus over public mischief charge

Quebec NDP MP Manon Perreault is shown on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, September 21, 2011. The federal New Democrats say Perreault has been suspended from the party's caucus in the face of what a statement calls ``criminal accusations.'' Media reports say Perreault, 48, is facing criminal charges in connection with allegations she falsely accused someone of theft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Fred Chartrand

OTTAWA - New Democrat MP Manon Perreault has been suspended from the party's caucus over newly laid criminal charges of public mischief.

Perreault, 48, faces three counts of mischief in connection with allegations she falsely accused someone of theft, according to documents filed in court.

Perreault, who represents the Quebec riding of Montcalm, was first elected to the House of Commons in 2011, part of a wave of New Democrats from the province.

The NDP says Perreault has the right to a fair process and a full and complete defence, and it will not comment further as the matter is before the courts.

Perreault's party biography says she began her career as an administrator, working for Montreal-based financial institutions.

Perreault, who uses a wheelchair, was also a trainer with Keroul, an organization promoting tourism for people with disabilities.