PC caucus to discuss behaviour of embattled Emerson MLA

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This article was published 15/10/2018 (2019 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The PC caucus confirmed it will be discussing the behaviour of Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon at a meeting next week, but wouldn’t say when the meeting will be nor whether his future with the party hangs in the balance.

A source told the Free Press last Friday the MLA’s status in caucus may come down to a vote.

At a news conference about distracted driving Tuesday, Crown Services Minister Colleen Mayer and Justice Minister Cliff Cullen answered questions about allegations Graydon made inappropriate comments to female subordinates at the legislature.

The Free Press previously reported sources said Graydon recently made two sexual comments to young female legislative staff. He allegedly suggested one woman sit on his lap at a busy PC luncheon where there were few chairs and, on another occasion, asked whether a female staffer would lick food off his face.

Mayer wouldn’t publicly say whether she thought the comments were inappropriate.

“Those are discussions that are, again, taking place internally. Yes, I have been informed of the situation and I will make my comments at the cabinet table,” she said.

“Every allegation that comes through, regardless of any woman who has concerns, should be taken very seriously. As an elected official, I take those (concerns) seriously and, again, will be dealing with my cabinet colleagues at that time.”

The Tory cabinet is expected to hold its weekly meeting Wednesday, and may also discuss Graydon at that time.

Cullen reiterated the PC caucus believes the initial issue with Graydon was addressed to the complainant’s satisfaction and announced caucus will meet next week “to review the facts and have a caucus discussion.”

Mayer deflected a question about whether Graydon is staying on as a member of the Manitoba Hydro board of directors.

Arthur Schafer, founding director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba, said the provincial government owes Manitobans more transparency. He said the public should know the nature of the complaints and what disciplinary measures — if any — occurred.

“Without such information, people can’t judge the ethical norms and values of the premier, the (Tory) leader and the caucus. Openness and disclosure are an important part of the democratic process,” Schafer said by email.

“In particular, the voters of Emerson are entitled to know about the behaviour of their MLA, and Manitoba voters, generally, are entitled to know about the seriousness (or otherwise) with which the premier and his colleagues have responded to such conduct.”

Questions directed to the PC caucus about further information on Graydon were not answered by deadline Tuesday.

jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @_jessbu