As Quebec encounters its #MeToo moment with various charges flying on social media, a Federal MP who ranks top in Canada’s opposition party is facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
Yves-Francois Blanchet, the leader of the third largest political party in Canada’s House of Commons, Bloc Quebecois, has denied the allegations that were posted on a Facebook community page, Hyenes en jupons which means Hyenas in Petticoats. The Facebook page belongs to a feminist collective.
The allegations date back to 1999 when Blanchet ran the rocker Eric Lapointe and the assault happened at a bar in Montreal.
Blanchet’s spokesperson issued a statement in French on his behalf and said he “unequivocally denies” the charges. He added that: “Yves-Francois Blanchet will continue with his professional activities. No further comments will be made.”
According to the Montreal Gazette, the statement in French also called the accuser to file an official complaint in this respect. Also, the outlet interrogated the woman and she disclosed she realised recently that the person who allegedly harassed her sexually 21 years ago was now the leader of the Federal party and one of the most powerful politicians in Ottawa.
There has been no comment on the matter from the office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, Quebec’s Premier, Francois Legault has recently been supporting people who come out with allegations bordering on sexual impropriety and has ordered the province’s Justice Minister to help the victims.
