Former senator Don Meredith has been acquitted in his recent criminal trial involving sexual assault allegations. This marks the end of a lengthy Senate scandal that damaged the institution’s reputation and highlighted the challenges in removing a problematic member.
Meredith, who stepped down from the Senate in 2017 before facing expulsion over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a teenager, faced multiple charges of sexual assault and criminal harassment related to his interactions with a former employee. The employee testified that Meredith engaged in unwelcome physical contact, such as hugging, kissing, and touching her inappropriately, while also abusing his authority as a parliamentarian.
During the trial, the employee recounted various incidents, including Meredith using pet names like “baby,” requesting inappropriate attire, and making unwanted advances. Despite not reporting the harassment initially due to concerns about her career prospects, the employee’s claims eventually led to criminal charges after a Senate ethics investigation.
Justice Narissa Somji ultimately ruled in Meredith’s favor, citing inconsistencies in the employee’s testimony and finding her evidence unreliable. The judge also noted contradictions with other witnesses’ accounts and deemed the Crown’s evidence, including an email showing questionable behavior by Meredith, as insufficient.
Following the verdict, Meredith expressed gratitude and relief, attributing the outcome to divine intervention. He stated his commitment to serving the community despite the ordeal. The Crown attorneys declined to comment on the decision.
Amid ongoing reports of high staff turnover in Meredith’s office, an investigation by the Senate Ethics Officer revealed a toxic work environment created by the former senator. The report detailed instances of harassment, intimidation, and inappropriate behavior towards several Senate employees and a protection service constable.
The Senate later issued a formal apology for the mistreatment suffered by employees and agreed to a substantial compensation settlement. Previous findings of ethical breaches by Meredith, including engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a minor, had prompted calls for his expulsion from the Senate. However, he resigned before facing formal expulsion proceedings, citing a desire to move forward with his life and subsequently accessing his Senate pension.
If you need immediate assistance or fear for your safety, please contact emergency services. For additional support resources, you can access crisis lines and local services through the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.