Liberal Whip Warns of Unfair “Trial” Over Raj Saini’s Harassment Allegations

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Marie Woolf, The Canadian Press Posted Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 3:33 p.m. EDT Last updated Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 4:56 p.m. EDT

OTTAWA – Liberal Whip Mark Holland has insisted that “the money stops with me” as he faces new questions about his party’s handling of complaints against Raj Saini.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, Holland confirmed he had been personally briefed on allegations of harassment against Saini, a former Liberal MP who withdrew from the reelection race on Saturday.

But he declined to say whether he had contacted the prime minister’s office over a complaint that Saini harassed a woman on his staff.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau declined to confirm whether he was personally aware of the complaints about Saini.

The whip of his party assumed responsibility for the management of the affair by the party on Wednesday.

“As a responsible person, the responsibility ends with me,” said Holland.

“I have had the opportunity to review the case,” he said.

Holland insisted that the investigation into the complaints about Saini’s conduct, which examined the “veracity” of the allegations, was “thorough and complete” and left him “without questions.”

“I have extraordinary confidence in this process,” he said.

He said the complainant had been given “all options as to where to go” to pursue the matter. This would have included the option of mediation.

Saini was accused of harassing a female staff member, who then attempted to kill herself. The former Kitchener Center MP vehemently denies the allegations, which were originally reported by the CBC and have not been independently verified by The Canadian Press.

Saini said he could not discuss the details due to privacy concerns.

The Liberal Chief Whip expressed concern that a “trial” is underway as key people involved are unable to speak.

“There is no fair hearing of the facts because the case is behind an iron wall,” he said.

“I think the trial that is going on with these cases is unfortunate,” Holland added. “People’s careers are at stake. It is extremely important that we pay attention to how we deal with these things.”

He said he had “complete confidence in the process that has been initiated” and that harassment complaints are taken “exceptionally seriously”.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 8, 2021.

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