4 days ago
11 MNAs were subject to a harassment complaint or report
Photo of the Red Room of the National Assembly in Quebec City, taken on Sept. 19, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot)
No fewer than 11 members of the National Assembly (MNAs) out of 125 were the subject of a complaint or report related to harassment in 2024–2025.
That's nine more than the previous year, according to the annual report on the prevention and management of incivility, conflict, and psychological or sexual harassment in the workplace at the National Assembly.
Tabled Friday, the report states that 104 cases were handled over the past year, compared to 80 the year before.
However, only one complaint was deemed admissible. The names of the complainants and the MNAs involved cannot be disclosed, as confidentiality is guaranteed under the harassment policy adopted by the National Assembly in 2023.
Five formal complaints
Only five formal complaints were ultimately filed—four for psychological harassment and one for a combination of reasons. Of those, one was deemed admissible, one was dismissed, one was withdrawn, and two are currently under review to determine if they are admissible, according to the report.
The admissible complaint is currently under investigation. \
In addition to the 11 MNAs, six political staff members, five managers, and five National Assembly employees were also the subject of a complaint or report, for a total of 27 people. That's already more than triple the eight individuals implicated in 2023–2024.
The report also reveals that among those who sought 'support, advice, or intervention' related to incivility, conflict, or harassment, 45 were women, and 32 were men, for a total of 77 people.
Among those who filed a report or complaint, 12 were women, and seven were men, for a total of 19.
Finally, among those named in complaints—meaning those identified by complainants as being responsible 'for a difficult interpersonal situation, harassment, or similar conduct'—14 were men and 13 were women, totalling 27 individuals.
The National Assembly's policy includes processes to address 'difficult interpersonal situations,' as well as corrective and disciplinary measures. These measures can include 'limiting or banning access to the workplace and/or services,' verbal or written warnings or reprimands, 'suspension or demotion,' or 'termination of employment,' the report reads.
'The investigator or the commissioner for compliance (…) may recommend certain measures be imposed on the individual concerned,' it adds. 'These may include restorative, corrective, or disciplinary actions. It is then up to the appropriate authority to implement them.'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 6, 2025.
By Patrice Bergeron
