The Parliamentary committee governing House of Commons operations is taking steps to create a formal anti-harassment policy for MPs, but the fate of two suspended Liberal members remains uncertain.
The Board of Internal Economy met Tuesday to discuss the issue, and has asked House Speaker Andrew Scheer to write a letter to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, requesting them to create such a policy.
Meanwhile, the Board has agreed to implement “some immediate changes.”
“These measures will make existing House Administration employee resources available to Members and their staff, and will support prevention initiatives and informal conflict resolution,” according to a statement from the Speaker.
Liberal MPs Massimo Pacetti and Scott Andrews were suspended from caucus earlier this month amid informal allegations of harassment raised by two female NDP MPs.
Both have said they are innocent of the allegations against them.
Pacetti said in a statement released by his office on Tuesday that he will not comment on the matter while the House of Commons works through it.
“With respect to all individuals who could be concerned by this situation, including all of my colleagues in the House of Commons, I will refrain from commenting on all allegations and speculations that are presently being reported,” he said in the statement. “I thank you for accepting this position motivated only by the fact that I do not want to prejudice anyone or any institution.”
Board spokesperson and Conservative MP John Duncan said the creation of an anti-harassment policy will not retroactively address the allegations against the Liberals MPs. He also said he’s been told the two NDP MPs will not file a formal complaint.
“The (Liberal) MPs are in limbo until such time as the logjam is broken,” Duncan said.
Only the House can decide on the conduct of its members. So, Scheer will ask the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs to “seek an order of reference to review these matters within the context of parliamentary privilege and the impact on Members’ conduct and disciplinary processes.”
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau had asked Scheer for a formal investigation into the allegations.
Trudeau suspended Pacetti and Andrews after first hearing complaints of harassment from the two NDP MPs, who have not been identified.
“It is my responsibility as a leader to encourage and protect people who come forward with such serious allegations, and that’s exactly what I have done,” Trudeau said.
