Cleared of sexual assault allegations, Sklavounos vows to fight for gender equality

In his first public address since being cleared of sexual assault allegations, Montreal MNA Gerry Sklavounossays he will work to uphold the "fundamental value" of gender equality.

Sklavounos, 42, leftthe Liberal caucus last October after a Quebec City woman, AlicePaquet, accused him of sexually assaulting her.

To those who I offended in spite of myself, know that wasn't my intention and I sincerely regret it.- Gerry Sklavounos

He took medical leave from the National Assembly soon after. He has maintained his innocence since the allegations came to light.

Following an investigation by Quebec City police, the Crown announced last week it had determined no criminal act had taken place and as such,Sklavounoswould not facecharges.

In a news conference at his riding office on Thursday, Sklavounosappeared calm and controlledas he read a prepared statement and answeredquestions from reporters.

"If, in my attempts to socialize, to create friendships or to break the tension in awkward situations, I offended or made others uncomfortable, that is unacceptable and inappropriate to me and I will be more careful going forward," he said, with his wife Janneke by his side.

"To those who I offended in spite of myself, know that wasn't my intention and I sincerely regret it."

'Difficult time'

Flanked by members of the Laurier-Dorion Liberal Association, he also thanked his constituents and members of the Greek community for their support.

• Premier says GerrySklavounoswon't immediately return to Liberal caucus

Describing himself as an"extroverted, voluble and passionate" person, Sklavounossaid he has always tried to be as respectful as possible, both in his professional and personal life.

He said this "difficult time" in his life allowed him to reflect on his actions and how they may have been perceived.

Gerry Sklavounos addresses public after being cleared of sexual assault allegations

8 years ago

Duration 0:35

Sklavounos, 42, left the Liberal caucus last October after a Quebec City woman, Alice Paquet, accused him of sexually assaulting her.

When asked if he was a changed man, Sklavounos said he believes he's a better man, then turned to look at his wife, who smiled at him.

He said he was advised to turn the experience into a positive one, and is now dedicated to promoting gender equality.

"Equality between men and women is a fundamental value of our Quebec society and for me, it is non-negotiable," he said.

He vowed to uphold that value, both in the workplace and in society as a whole, andwork with groups to create a more egalitarian province for all, including his two sons.

"Every time I speak, every time I write, every time I socialize, I intend to become an example of how it's got to be done," he said

Sklavounos said he plans to return to the National Assembly next week.

Return to Liberal caucus?

Sklavounos was first elected in the Montreal riding ofLaurier-Dorionunder the Liberal banner in 2007.

Premier Philippe Couillardspoke aboutSklavounosThursday before having a chance to review his statements.

"I'll have to take the time to look at it properly and discuss with our caucus," Couillard said.

"But I'll repeat what I said a few days ago, the reality is, the eventual reintegration of Mr. Sklavounos into the Liberal caucus is neither automatic or immediate."

Last week, Couillard said Sklavounos's return to the Liberal caucus hinges, in part, on him making a "sincere statement" on his views about relationships between men and women in the workplace.

Sklavounosacknowledged it's not up to him to decide whether he can return to the Liberal caucus, but said his views align best with the governingparty.

"I'm a Liberal in my heart," he said.

Calls to denounce rape culture

Shortly afterSklavounosmade his statements, Paquet posted on her Facebook page that she was still processing how the events unfolded.

"I will comment publicly once I've wiped away my tears a bit," she wrote.

• AlicePaquet, who says she was sexually assaulted by Liberal MNA, speaks out

She called on people to attend a Feb. 15 rally against rape culture and denounceSklavounos's return to the National Assembly.

PaquetsaidSklavounossexually assaultedher on two occasions in 2014while she was working as a restaurant hostess.

Despite being asked repeatedly,Sklavounosnever gave a clear answer about his relationship with Paquet.

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