A pundit made a “surprising and emotional” admission on CBC News’ Power and Politics Wednesday, alleging he was sexually harassed by male MPs years ago as a young staffer on Parliament Hill.
MediaStyle president Ian Capstick made the revelation to host Evan Solomon during a panel discussion about two Liberal MPs who had been suspended from caucus earlier in the day over allegations of personal misconduct.
“I have been both sexually touched and harassed on Parliament Hill during my time as a political staffer by male members of Parliament,” Capstick said.
“At the time did I think it was awful? Yes. Did I laugh it off with friends of mine in a kind of machismo way and maybe even suggest to others that, 'Gee I hope you’re not next.' I most certainly did. Why did I do that at the time? Because I felt powerless.”
Solomon then asked the former NDP press secretary if he considers what happened to him as sexual harassment.
“Most certainly, sexually harassed on a regular basis by a single member of Parliament – and in another member of Parliament’s incidents, sexually touched in a way I had to tell that individual it was inappropriate.”
The political commentator served as press secretary for the NDP caucus from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that, he was a parliamentary assistant to former Canadian Heritage minister Sheila Copps after stints working in the offices of former Liberal cabinet ministers Brian Tobin and Art Eggleton.
Capstick, a regular panelist on the show, did not disclose the name of the MPs who allegedly sexually harassed him nor did he confirm if they still work on the Hill.
He also did not specify when the alleged incidents took place.
Capstick’s husband Shawn Dearn praised his decision to go public with what happened to him.
A torrent of supporters also chimed in on Twitter, commending Capstick's choice to come forward with his personal story.
Watch the clip of Capstick’s remarks over at the CBC beginning at 1:02:20.
Earlier, Montreal MP Massimo Pacetti and Newfoundland MP Scott Andrews were suspended from the Liberal caucus by party leader Justin Trudeau over allegations of sexual harassment.
The Huffington Post Canada has learned the two claimants are both female NDP MPs.
An investigation into the allegations is pending.
With previous files from Althia Raj
ALSO ON HUFFPOST:
MediaStyle president Ian Capstick made the revelation to host Evan Solomon during a panel discussion about two Liberal MPs who had been suspended from caucus earlier in the day over allegations of personal misconduct.
“I have been both sexually touched and harassed on Parliament Hill during my time as a political staffer by male members of Parliament,” Capstick said.
“At the time did I think it was awful? Yes. Did I laugh it off with friends of mine in a kind of machismo way and maybe even suggest to others that, 'Gee I hope you’re not next.' I most certainly did. Why did I do that at the time? Because I felt powerless.”
Solomon then asked the former NDP press secretary if he considers what happened to him as sexual harassment.
“Most certainly, sexually harassed on a regular basis by a single member of Parliament – and in another member of Parliament’s incidents, sexually touched in a way I had to tell that individual it was inappropriate.”
The political commentator served as press secretary for the NDP caucus from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that, he was a parliamentary assistant to former Canadian Heritage minister Sheila Copps after stints working in the offices of former Liberal cabinet ministers Brian Tobin and Art Eggleton.
Capstick, a regular panelist on the show, did not disclose the name of the MPs who allegedly sexually harassed him nor did he confirm if they still work on the Hill.
He also did not specify when the alleged incidents took place.
Capstick’s husband Shawn Dearn praised his decision to go public with what happened to him.
I love my husband @iancapstick SO MUCH and admire his bravery in disclosing his experience on the Hill. #pnpcbc
— shawndearn (@shawndearn) November 5, 2014Don't worry @natnewswatch, on my way to pick up my love @iancapstick at @PnPCBC w/ @evansolomoncbc. One of many reasons I love him. #courage
— shawndearn (@shawndearn) November 5, 2014A torrent of supporters also chimed in on Twitter, commending Capstick's choice to come forward with his personal story.
@iancapstick That took a lot of #courage Ian - much #Respect, Sir.
— Sas Quatch (@sasquatchdene) November 5, 2014@iancapstick Thanks for making these issues real - a brave move
— Donna MacDonald (@Mamereg) November 5, 2014@iancapstick @natnewswatch sending you my support and solidarity Ian. There's no excuse for that kind of behaviour, regardless of who/when.
— Chris Markevich (@cmarkevich) November 5, 2014@iancapstick big love, Ian. We’ve got your back.
— Mike Fancie (@FancieTweets) November 5, 2014Watch the clip of Capstick’s remarks over at the CBC beginning at 1:02:20.
Earlier, Montreal MP Massimo Pacetti and Newfoundland MP Scott Andrews were suspended from the Liberal caucus by party leader Justin Trudeau over allegations of sexual harassment.
The Huffington Post Canada has learned the two claimants are both female NDP MPs.
An investigation into the allegations is pending.
With previous files from Althia Raj
ALSO ON HUFFPOST: