Darshan Kang controversy threatens Liberals' foothold in Calgary, political scientist says
Mount Royal University professor says sexual harassment allegations hurt Liberals' chances in next vote
Allegations of misconduct against Calgary MP Darshan Kang and his subsequent resignation from the Liberal caucus will "definitely damage" the party in Calgary, says a political scientist.
Kang announced Thursday that he had left the Liberal caucus after new allegations were made public against the MP for Calgary Skyview.
The Hill Times in Ottawa broke the story in early August when an unnamed woman came forward with sexual harassment allegations against the MP. On Thursday, the newspaper also reported allegations by a woman who worked in Kang's Calgary constituency office when he was a MLA in the Alberta legislature.
None of the allegations has been proven in court and no charges have been filed against Kang.
The Alberta Liberal party issued a news release Friday saying that under the legislative assembly rules, neither the party nor the caucus "can have direct involvement with or control over the running of these offices."
"Despite this, and because of the serious nature of this situation, we will be conducting an immediate and thorough review of our existing sexual harassment policies and procedures. Additionally, we are conducting our own internal investigation. Staff and party officials, both past and present, are being contacted, and in the event any relevant information is uncovered, it will be brought to the attention of all investigative bodies," the release said.
Duane Bratt, a political science professor at Mount Royal University, chatted with the Calgary Eyeopener Friday about what the resignation could mean for the future of the Liberal Party in Calgary.
An excerpt from the interview follows:
Q: How important of a figure is Kang for the Liberals in Calgary?
A: Oh, very big. I don't think this is going to damage the Liberal Party across the country but it's going to definitely damage it in Calgary.
You may remember that it had been over 40 years since a Liberal MP had won a seat in this city.
And they won two in 2015, largely on the personal strength of both Kent Hehr and Darshan Kang, who had been Liberal MLAs, who were well known in the community.
In the absence of Darshan Kang, it's going to be very difficult for the Liberals to hold onto that seat.
Q: Kang's resignation comes the same week as Kent Hehr was moved from the minister of Veterans Affairs to minister of sport and persons with disabilities. What does this do to the Liberal footprint in Alberta?
A: I think it's a bit of a different take on Kent Hehr, but I do know that many people viewed it as a demotion.
There's a huge qualitative difference between the troubles that Darshan is in and whether it was a demotion or a lateral movement for Kent Hehr.
But neither of that is good news for the party in this city.
Q: Do you think it was Kang's decision to resign or was he ordered to step down?
A: It could be either/or.
If you look at the behaviour of Justin Trudeau since he became Liberal leader, they've taken a very hard line on these types of allegations.
Even when he was just the leader of the Liberal Party, before he became prime minister, he suspended two liberal MPs from caucus for sexual harassment allegations.
This does not mean there's inherently more sexual harassment in the Liberal Party than other parties, but what it does mean is that when it comes forward, they take swift action.
So whether this was Darshan on his own or whether this was an ordering …, we simply don't know at this point.
Q: Will the Liberals be able to hold on to Kang's seat in the next vote?
A: I can't see how they would do that. I think it would be very difficult because of the previous popularity of Darshan Kang.
I think the Liberals are in trouble in Skyview if Darshan runs again under this cloud, or if he leaves and they bring in another candidate.
It's going to be very tough for the Liberals up there and could also affect Kent Hehr in Calgary Centre as well.
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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener