Ontario NDP says misconduct allegations ‘substantiated’ against ex-caucus member

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles says a third-party investigator has substantiated allegations of workplace misconduct against a former caucus member.

Stiles asked Michael Mantha to take a leave of absence when she took over as party leader earlier this year and was briefed on the allegations, then based on information uncovered by the independent investigator she removed him from caucus in March.

The party has not shared details of the allegations in order to protect the privacy of the complainant and Mantha did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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He said in a statement in April that he was fully participating in the investigation and is a lifelong believer in safe workplaces, but the NDP says today that while

Mantha initially participated, he refused to attend an interview and didn’t turn over documents as requested by the investigator.

Mantha was first elected in 2011 to represent the northern Ontario riding of Algoma-Manitoulin and is now sitting as an independent.

Stiles says that Mantha will not be returning to caucus in light of the investigator’s findings, which were based on interviews with multiple witnesses and video evidence.

“As leader, I take my responsibility for safe and respectful workplaces very seriously,” Stiles wrote Tuesday in a statement.

“Members of our caucus, and all elected officials, must be held to the higher standard for their behaviour and how they use the power they have.”