Former senator Don Meredith has been acquitted in his criminal trial on charges of sexual assault. This marks the end of a lengthy Senate scandal that damaged the institution’s reputation as a safe workplace and highlighted the challenges of removing a problematic member.
Meredith, who stepped down from the Senate in 2017 before facing expulsion over an alleged sexual relationship with a teenager, was accused of three counts of sexual assault and one count of criminal harassment in connection with his treatment of a former employee. The employee testified that Meredith engaged in unwanted physical contact, used inappropriate language, and abused his authority as a parliamentarian during her time working for him.
The employee, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, detailed instances where Meredith called her pet names, touched her inappropriately, and made lewd requests. She explained that she did not report the harassment earlier due to concerns about her career prospects.
The charges stemmed from a Senate ethics investigation that led to the involvement of the Ottawa police. However, the court found Meredith not guilty based on inconsistencies in the employee’s testimony and the lack of corroborating evidence. The judge highlighted discrepancies in witness accounts and deemed the employee’s evidence unreliable.
In response to the verdict, Meredith expressed gratitude and relief, attributing the outcome to divine intervention. He acknowledged the challenging period for him and his family and stated his commitment to serving the community. When asked about the employee, Meredith declined to comment.
Following the trial, Crown attorneys declined to provide a statement. The case had previously led to workplace allegations against Meredith, resulting in a Senate inquiry that revealed a toxic work environment and instances of harassment. Despite facing ethics violations and calls for expulsion, Meredith resigned from the Senate before any formal action was taken, allowing him to receive his pension.
In a parallel development, the Senate issued a formal apology and agreed to compensate employees who experienced harassment while working for Meredith. The Senate watchdog’s reports detailed multiple instances of misconduct by Meredith, including engaging in inappropriate relationships and creating a hostile workplace environment.
The acquittal concludes a tumultuous chapter for Meredith, who has faced intense scrutiny and condemnation for his actions during his tenure as a senator.
