Wynne on Copps revelations: “coming forward… is a good thing”

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne weighed in on today’s statement from Sheila Copps, and the work that needs to be done in government and in places of work across the province.

“What I can tell you is that there are very clear guidelines in place, there are protocols and procedures. We have guidelines in place in terms of the Liberal caucus. The house leaders at this point are talking about whether a select committee would be something that we would want move forward with.”

“This is not a new issue, this is not something that is new in Ontario or the country. What we’re dealing with right is that people are coming forward and that is a very good thing, that people feel that they can speak up.”

“I understand Sheila Copps has made a statement. And if that allows people who are experiencing this right now to come forward, that’s a good thing and then we need to make sure that we have a reaction and we can deal with those situations sensitively and appropriately.”

Wynne says it is everyone’s responsibility to examine their practice in the workplace to ensure they are creating an environment where people feel comfortable coming forward with claims of harrassment or assault.