Wab Kinew denies assault allegations

MLA Wab Kinew denies assault allegations Jeff Keele reports after a former girlfriend of Manitoba NDP leadership candidate Wab Kinew brought forward assault allegations.

On the eve of the party’s convention, NDP Leadership candidate Wab Kinew is denying accusations by his ex-partner that he assaulted her.

Tara Hart has come forward telling The Canadian Press while the two lived together in 2003, Kinew threw her across a room, causing rug burn injuries.

Kinew was charged with assault but the charges were later stayed by prosecutors.

In an interview with CTV News, the NDP leadership hopeful said he’s sorry if this triggers painful emotions for domestic abuse victims, but he denies his ex-partner’s claims.

“I myself recognize the importance of believing victims, believing people who come forward and make allegations I know that doesn’t happen easily and I know that’s not taken lightly, yet in this situation I also can’t take responsibility for something that I didn’t do.”

READ MORE: Woman at centre of Wab Kinew domestic assault allegations says she was thrown

Kinew is running against long time NDP member, former MLA and cabinet Minister Steve Ashton.

Ashton has been critical of Kinew for not coming forward with the 14-year-old assault charges before they first surfaced weeks ago.

"That's one courageous woman and I believe Tara Hart and I think anybody looking at what she said would believe what she said too," Ashton said.

The leadership results are expected Saturday afternoon.