Ontario strikes committee on sexual harassment

TORONTO – Ontario politicians have voted to establish a committee on sexual violence and harassment and will report at this time next year.

Progressive Conservative Laurie Scott first asked for the committee in light of allegations against former CBC Radio host Jian Ghomeshi.

Ghomeshi was fired after CBC saw “graphic evidence” he had injured a woman, and more than a dozen other women have come forward with allegations of physical or sexual assault and one of workplace sexual harassment – all of which Ghomeshi denies.

READ MORE: CBC union warns members about investigation into Jian Ghomeshi

Scott says the committee is a victory for the people of Ontario, “who deserve a comprehensive strategy to combat sexual harassment in the workplace and protect victims of sexual harassment from further harm.”

The committee will examine barriers that prevent victims from coming forward and will strive to include “diverse voices,” including those of young people, aboriginal people, visible minorities, seniors, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQ community.

TIMELINE: Jian Ghomeshi charged in sex assault scandal

The committee will be made up of six Liberals, two Progressive Conservatives and two New Democrats, though Scott had called for equal party representation.