The case centres around a woman who was allegedly trafficked against her will and sexually assaulted. While being cross examined by lawyers, MLA Steele admitted to calling her “pretty lady” in private messages on at least one occasion.
He is also alleged to have deleted his messages with her, failed to contact police despite admitting to fearing for her safety, kept no formal casework records documenting his interactions with her, and solicited assistance from an unrelated MLA and a political staffer instead of taking concerns to the appropriate authorities.
“Based on Doug Steele’s own testimony, his behaviour was highly inappropriate and extremely troubling,” said Brittney Senger, Shadow Minister for Ethics & Democracy.
“When a constituent’s safety may be at risk, there is no room for shortcuts. Elected officials must follow proper procedures to protect vulnerable people, not put them in greater danger.
“He could’ve called in the RCMP. He could’ve called in victim services. Why would he choose to deal with this young scared vulnerable woman on his own and in what seems to be an inappropriate way?”
The NDP says while the case remains before the courts, Premier Moe must take immediate action to remove Steele as Caucus Chair to uphold public trust and ensure all his MLAs follow proper ethical and safety protocols.
The Saskatchewan NDP is also concerned about MLA Doug Steele’s handling of the “Queen-of-Canada” occupation of Richmound, a village in his constituency. The NDP has called for a multi-agency investigation and review into the government's response after the occupation was allowed to persist under their watch for two years.
“The people of Saskatchewan deserve to know their elected representatives have their back and will deliver for them, now and into the future,” added Senger.
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