Politicians scrambling to adapt to new environment on sexual harassment: PM

CTV National News: 'I don't have a rule book' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is grappling with how to handle sexual misconduct claims on Parliament Hill. Mercedes Stephenson reports.

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concedes he, like all political leaders, is struggling to figure out how best to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct against members of his own caucus or cabinet.

He says there's been no rule book handed down to him from the time of Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's sixth prime minister.

Indeed, he says politicians are just now establishing processes and support systems to deal with complaints of sexual harassment or sexual assault, processes which have not existed until recently.

He says politicians are doing the best they can on a case-by-case basis.

Trudeau is offering that explanation in response to questions about why Kent Hehr -- who resigned from the federal cabinet last week pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct -- is still a member of the Liberal caucus.

Trudeau says those accused of misconduct are entitled to due process to defend themselves, but it's essential to start from a position of believing and supporting complainants.