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Why I resigned as Speaker and left the Yukon Party

Why I resigned as Speaker and left the Yukon Party I would like to take this opportunity to clarify to my constituents in Porter Creek Centre the reasons behind my May 10, 2016 resignation. I was shocked and distraught to learn that a sexual harassment

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify to my constituents in Porter Creek Centre the reasons behind my May 10, 2016 resignation.

I was shocked and distraught to learn that a sexual harassment allegation against me was brought forward on May 9, 2016. However, as a result of this allegation and out of respect for the government’s zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment, I removed myself from caucus duties for the Yukon Party immediately, as well as resigned as Speaker. As a publicly elected MLA, I did not want this false allegation to impact the daily work of the government.

The allegation involves an incident during business hours whereby I hugged and kissed a long-time acquaintance when she was leaving my office, which was intended as a friendly gesture, and walked her to the foyer with numerous other people present where we hugged and kissed goodbye again. I would like to stress that I am deeply sorry if the woman in question was offended or made to feel uncomfortable by my actions.

Sexual harassment allegations should always be treated in a very serious manner and I commend the government on its quick action in bringing this to my immediate attention. I call on the government to immediately initiate a third party investigation. I am confident that once the investigation is complete, my name will be completely cleared.

Again, I deeply apologize if I made the woman in question uncomfortable in any way - that was certainly not my intention.

I look forward to returning to my important work on behalf of the constituents of Porter Creek Centre.

Please be advised I will not be making any further comment at this time.

David Laxton

MLA for Porter Creek Centre