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Gerry Sklavounos to return to National Assembly after being cleared of sexual assault allegations

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Gerry Sklavounos heads back to National Assembly
WATCH ABOVE: Gerry Sklavounos is planning to head back to work at the National Assembly now that the sexual assault allegations have been cleared up. As Global's Amanda Jelowicki reports, some agree he should, but others aren’t so sure – Feb 10, 2017

Quebec politician Gerry Sklavounos is hoping to return to the National Assembly after being cleared of allegations of sexual assault.

The MNA for Laurier-Dorion made the announcement Thursday in his Park-Extension riding.

READ MORE: Quebec Liberal MNA Gerry Sklavounos leaves caucus after ‘violent’ sexual assault allegations

“As you can imagine, this time has been very stressful and very difficult for my wife, my children, my family and of course, for myself,” Sklavounos said, adding he hopes to return to work next week.

Sklavounos left the Liberal caucus in October after allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2014 were made by Alice Paquet, who was working as a hostess in Quebec City at the time.

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READ MORE: No criminal act committed in sexual assault case involving Quebec politician: Crown

On Feb. 2, Quebec’s Crown Prosecutor’s Office found that no criminal act was committed.

Sklavounos said he would not speak about the allegations, but thanked Quebec City police for their hard work.

WATCH: Quebec politician Gerry Sklavounos is hoping to return to the National Assembly after being cleared of allegations of sexual assault. Global’s Amanda Jelowicki reports.
Click to play video: 'Gerry Sklavounos hopes to return to National Assembly'
Gerry Sklavounos hopes to return to National Assembly

Paquet first alleged she was sexually assaulted at a rally in support of sexual assault victims after a series of break-ins at Laval University residences last October.

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READ MORE: Quebec City police arrest 2 suspects in Laval University break-ins

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She claims police told her no one would believe her “because he has a seat in the National Assembly, because he is an important man.”

WATCH BELOW: Gerry Sklavounos won’t face charges

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Sklavounos stepped down the following day to sit as an independent.

READ MORE: Alice Paquet now in hands of Crown prosecutor

He said he looks forward to returning to the National Assembly and hopes to reintegrate in the Liberal caucus.

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has spoken out to insist Sklavounos will not automatically be allowed back into the Liberal caucus.

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READ MORE: Quebec MNA won’t face charges but can’t return to caucus right away: premier

The premier said he needs to be convinced Sklavounos will show good conduct towards women.

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