Councilor Craig Sauvé withdrew from the Projet Montreal caucus Thursday evening after allegations of sexual assault against him resurfaced Thursday, three days before the election. He denies en bloc the facts with which he is accused. Earlier in the day, Denis Coderre had fired red balls on Valérie Plante, accusing her of “defending an alleged aggressor”.
“To avoid becoming a distraction in this electoral campaign which must first focus on the crucial issues of the environment, housing and social justice, I am announcing my intention to withdraw of my own accord from the Project caucus. Montreal and to sit as an independent today, ”wrote Mr. Sauvé on his Facebook page in the evening of Thursday.
He affirms that “this election is too important for the future of Montreal” and that he wishes “more than anything else that Valérie Plante” exercises a second mandate. “Despite the fact that I completely refute this allegation, I have always been keen to deal with it in a collaborative and respectful manner. This was done through mediation in 2018 and by offering my collaboration in an in-depth investigation by the police, which closed the case, ”also assures the Southwest adviser.
It is a CBC article, published earlier Thursday, which revealed these allegations, titling that Mayor Plante “falsely claimed to have no knowledge of allegations of sexual assault against an elected official”.
The facts date back to 2012, according to two formal notices sent to the party in 2018, that Press obtained, in which the victim alleged that an elected official had sexually assaulted her. An independent “mediation process” took place between the victim and the elected official in question. A police investigation was also opened, but closed last February.
In a letter from the acting director general of Projet Montreal, Marie-Dominique Giguère, we also learn that the victim had “asked for help from an elected member of the party to avoid being in contact” with Craig Sauvé. “This elected woman subsequently transmitted your request to the party leadership. After verifications by an independent third party, it was determined that this matter was of a private nature and did not involve our organization in any way, ”says Mr.me Giguere.
Coderre attack Plant
The complainant, who prefers to remain anonymous, confirmed Thursday to the daily The duty that she did not exclude legal proceedings. She affirms that the actions of the elected official “destroyed a large part of his life”, having had difficulty in being in public for several years, after the facts.
Craig Sauvé, for his part, said to remain “open to any steps that might follow, if desired”. “The fact remains that I am also ready, if necessary, to pursue the legal steps necessary to defend my honor and my reputation, which have been seriously attacked,” he insists, however.
Earlier Thursday, Denis Coderre had criticized Mayor Plante for her inaction, which did not immediately exclude Mr. Sauvé. “Instead of listening to the victim, Projet Montreal chose to defend an alleged aggressor. Valérie Plante denied that she was aware of the case, although there is evidence that she did know. She lied. She was aware, ”he said, demanding that Craig Sauvé withdraws his candidacy for municipal councilor. His campaign also estimated Thursday evening that the withdrawal of the advisor “is only a smokescreen”. “He remains a candidate for Projet Montreal and, if elected, will certainly sit in their caucus,” we lamented.
PHOTO SARAH MONGEAU-BIRKETT, THE PRESS
Denis coderre
In June 2020, during a press conference, Valérie Plante was questioned to find out whether elected officials were the subject of sexual allegations. “Honestly, as party leader, nothing came to me,” Mr.me Plante, specifying that a check would also be made for all future candidates. “I expect answers. People have the right to know, ”Denis Coderre retorted on Thursday. The one who would be his number two if he is brought to power, Nadine Gelly, also lamented “as a woman” that Valérie Plante “lacks empathy and transparency”.
“I acted correctly”, retorts the outgoing mayor.
Called to react on Thursday, Mayor Plante denied having tried to cover up anything within her party. “When I was asked the question, the file was closed. The police forces had decided that the allegations were unfounded, so when I was asked the question, I answered with openness and transparency on a file that was closed, ”she pleaded.
I have acted correctly. The police department decided the complaint was inadmissible. We met both parties, and after that there was no more news [de la personne ayant formulé la plainte].
Valérie Plante, outgoing mayor of Montreal
Mme Plante explained that at one point, “the two lawyers were talking to each other, but one of the lawyers no longer answered.” “We have been proactive in setting up a mediation process, to which both parties agreed,” she said.
She claims to have been “transparent”. “When we received a message about allegations of harassment, we acted quickly. And after that, we didn’t hear from the complainant for two years. I believe I did the right thing. But the presumption of innocence is also important in our society. When I was asked if there were any pending files, I replied no, because there were none. ”