Allegations of sexual assault have surfaced against a Quebec Liberal MNA by a Laval University student.
It is not clear if the student was also a victim of the recent break-ins at the Quebec City university’s Alphonse-Marie-Parent residence.
The student’s claim against the politician, who is not a minister, was made at the vigil for victims of the break-ins Wednesday evening.
READ MORE: Vigil held in Quebec City over alleged cases of sexual assault
She said she was assaulted at her place of work, a restaurant, in 2014.
“I was there last night when I heard that young woman talking about the aggression she lived and it really troubled me,” said Nathalie Roy, a Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) MNA.
“My heart stopped when she said it was an MNA – and that really scared me.”
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Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said he is “verifying” with his caucus members in light of the allegations.
“I’m not the police, I’m not a judge, I’m not even a lawyer,” said Couillard.
“But I just want to tell Quebecers that to me, this is significant, not just significant, but crucially important for our society.”
Quebec City police are investigating.
There have been no arrests.
“[Women] must feel safe and be safe everywhere every time of the day,” said Couillard.
“I have a daughter, a grand-daughter and to me this is something personally important.”
WATCH BELOW: Alleged sexual assault at Laval University
Since the first alleged case of sexual assault where a suspect broke into the student residence Friday, Oct. 14, another 14 people have come forward.
READ MORE: Quebec City police investigating alleged sexual assaults at Laval University
Quebec City police are now investigating 15 cases of breaking and entering and sexual assault.
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