Project Montreal candidate Craig Sauvé “categorically denies” allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2013, of which the party was informed three years ago.
The duty information first reported in a CBC report Thursday morning confirmed with a source. In 2018, a Montrealer contacted an elected municipal official, who was then a member of Projet Montréal, to report a sexual assault of which she alleges to have been the victim in 2012 by a man who joined the ranks of Valérie’s party. Plant the following year. The file was then sent and taken in hand by Marie-Dominique Giguère, who was then Executive Director of Projet Montréal.
Thursday morning, Projet Montréal revealed the identity of this person. This is Craig Sauvé, who has been councilor for the Saint-Henri-Est – Petite-Bourgogne – Pointe-Saint-Charles – Griffintown district since 2013. The elected official has also been vice-president of the council in recent years. administration of the Société de transport de Montréal, a position he still holds, as well as associate advisor to the city’s executive committee on mobility issues, then on housing.
“I was the subject of an unfounded allegation concerning an event that took place in 2012. Having nothing to reproach myself with, I dealt with this allegation in a collaborative and respectful manner, and after a thorough investigation, the police closed the file. I want to be clear with everyone, I categorically deny these allegations. I will not make any other comments and will analyze the remedies available to me, ”Mr. Sauvé reacted on Thursday in a press release.
According to the CBC report, police closed the investigation into the case last February.
Reactions
Denis Coderre accuses Valérie Plante and Projet Montréal of having defended an alleged aggressor. He demanded Thursday the withdrawal of the candidacy of Craig Sauvé, who is seeking a new mandate, and an apology from the outgoing mayor. “Instead of listening to the victim, Projet Montreal chose to defend the alleged aggressor,” he said.
The leader of Ensemble Montreal, who is himself the subject of criticism for his lack of transparency, criticized Valérie Plante for claiming not to be aware of the allegations concerning the elected member of his team. However, Projet Montréal had been aware of the file since 2018, he said. “Instead of lecturing me, she could have demonstrated what it means to have the dignity of her position and she didn’t. “
Denis Coderre says that if such allegations had been made against one of his candidates, he would not have kept him in his team.
More details will follow.