The MLA for Fort Garry has been given the boot from his party’s caucus, effective immediately.
The Manitoba NDP announced Monday that Mark Wasyliw was removed from caucus after it learned that Wasyliw’s business partner is acting as a criminal defence lawyer for disgraced Winnipeg fashion designer Peter Nygard.
Nygard was sentenced to 11 years in prison last week after being convicted of four sexual assaults in Toronto, dating from the 1980s to the mid-2000s.
“MLA Wasyliw’s failure to demonstrate good judgement does not align with our caucus principles of mutual respect and trust,” said NDP Caucus Chair Mike Moyes in a statement Monday.
“As such MLA Wasyliw can no longer continue his role in our caucus.”
However, in an interview with 680 CJOB Wasilyw denied that his connection to that lawyer still exists.
“I’m no longer a law partner with her. I have no financial, or, (any) connection to this case at all. This has absolutely nothing to do with me and I have no power to have any influence here,” he said.
“This is basically guilt by association because I know a lawyer who is representing somebody who’s reprehensible. Therefore, somehow I’m bad now.”
Wasyliw pointed a finger at Premier Wab Kinew, saying he is “insecure and needs to control everything,” and that the premier demeans, pressures, and bullies other politicians in the legislature, and accused him of wanting to be surrounded by “yes men and people that won’t challenge him.”
“I am one of the people that stands up to Wab Kinew,” he said. “Essentially what he is trying to do is remove strong, independent voices in the caucus who would be critical about the direction of his government… That’s why I’m no longer in the NDP Caucus.”
Global News reached out to the Manitoba NDP for reaction to Wasyliw’s comments about Kinew’s leadership and the culture within the NDP caucus. The party declined to address them specifically, instead referring us to the NDP’s initial statement on Wasyliw’s removal.
Despite being taken out of caucus, Wasyliw said he remains committed to his riding and intends to serve out his term.