Meredith misconduct investigation to be referred to Senate ethics officer

An independent investigation into allegations of misconduct involving Sen. Don Meredith has been referred to Senate Ethics Officer Lyse Ricard,a leading TV channel reported. The investigation – which Meredith previously denied exists — found that eight people who worked for the Conservative-appointed senator left his office over allegations of verbal and sexual harassment or bullying, sources told CTV’s Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife.

Six of the eight accusers spoke directly to investigations; two spoke to a senior Conservative. Among the allegations is that a Senate guard told her superiors Meredith had suggested she come up to his office so he could handcuff her,reported the TV channel. It’s now up to the ethics officer to recommend what the Senate should do in Meredith’s case. Possible sanctions include suspension without pay and a public apology in the Senate chamber.

Meredith was removed from the Conservative caucus last month after the Toronto Star reported he had a sexual relationship with a teenager.

Days earlier, Meredith had denied the existence of an independent investigation into workplace harassment and bullying.