Saskatchewan advocate for children and youth resigns after harassment complaints

Corey O’Soup, who was suspended from his duties as Saskatchewan’s advocate for children and youth, has resigned.

Speaker of the legislative assembly Mark Docherty announced Thursday afternoon that the board of internal economy suspended O’Soup as the result of an investigation into multiple harassment complaints.

“Harassment cannot be tolerated in any workplace, and certainly not in the office of a statutory officer of the assembly,” Docherty said in a press release.

“I want to assure the staff members of the advocate’s office, and of all statutory offices, that we support their right to work in a safe and respectful environment. I fully intend to bring this matter before the assembly at the earliest opportunity in its next sitting.”

The investigation was conducted by an independent party with extensive experience, the statement said. The investigator was not disclosed.

O’Soup tendered his resignation later on Thursday.

O’Soup released a statement saying, “I would like to first apologize to my family, friends, the children of Saskatchewan and to the staff members of the advocate’s office.”

According to the statement, the harassment complaint stems from inappropriate electronic communication between him and one other individual at the advocate’s office “and was not physical in nature.”

The board has also appointed Mary McFadyen, who is the province’s ombudsman, to serve as interim advocate for children and youth.

The board appointed McFadyen to ensure the important operations of the office are able to continue uninterrupted.

The advocate for children and youth is a statutory officer of the legislative assembly of Saskatchewan. The advocate leads a team of professionals to advocate for the rights, interests, and well-being of children and youth in Saskatchewan.

O’Soup was appointed Saskatchewan’s advocate for children and youth on Aug. 3, 2016, and assumed the position on Nov. 1, 2016.