Peter Stoffer apologizes for 'touchy' behaviour, but denies wrongdoing

Former Nova ScotiaNDP MP Peter Stofferapologized on Friday following allegations of inappropriate behaviour during his time in office, which he chalked up to his gregarious personality.

Lauren Dobson-Hughes, a former NDP staffer,told the National Post that Stoffer tried to force kisses on her on two occasions, in 2006 and 2009.

"I did not in any way in my intention intend to insult or demean or belittle any person in this regard,"Stoffersaid at a news conference Friday in Halifax, without addressing specific allegations.

"But it is obvious that by some of the remarks that were made from the past that that's exactly what happened and for that, I regrettably apologize and humbly ask for their forgiveness in this regard."

Stoffer said he's never sexually or physically abused anybody, but said people know he's a "hugger" and "touchy person."

Peter Stoffer apologizes if 'touchy' behaviour offended

7 years ago

Duration 6:04

Former NDP MP speaks after allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Asked if he hascontacted Dobson-Hughesabout her allegations, Stoffer said he had not. He suggestedhe would, if he could get her contact information.

Despite taking her complaints to the party leadership, Dobson-Hughestold the National Postno formal action was taken against Stoffer. In the article, Stofferstrongly denied the allegations against him.

Stoffer began hissix-minute news conference by saying that when he first arrived on Parliament Hill, there wasn't much of a social scene, so he helped organize a Christmas party for people from all parties, "the all-party party." He also organized an all-party soccer club.

Stoffersaid his office was "a fun office," a place where people could play a game of pool or darts and "have a cold one."

CBC News has been unable to reach Dobson-Hughes. On Twitter, Dobson-Hughes wrote that she would not answer any more questions about Stoffer.

"He got away with shocking behaviour this piece is the tip of the iceberg and we all know it," she wrote.

'Humdrum daily harassment'

Dobson-Hughes appeared on CBC'sThe Currentin late January and discussed the "humdrum daily harassment" she was exposed to while working on Parliament Hill. She referenced unwanted forced kisses and being groped, but didn't say who did those things to her.

She said the incidents sent a message to her because other MPs who witnessed themdidn't do anything about it.

"I think it really sent a signal to me as a young woman that this was my value ...I was a piece of eye candy and I was objectified and really not valued as a smart, young person," said Dobson-Hughes.

Stofferserved as anNDPMP for 18 years, but lost theSackville-Preston-Chezzetcookseat in the 2015 election.

He later went to work for Trauma HealingCenters, an organization that helps veterans suffering from trauma such asPTSD.CBCNews contacted Trauma HealingCenters, but the company did not respond to requests for comment.

On Thursday evening,NDPLeaderJagmeetSingh said in a statement posted to Twitter that he was "deeply disturbed" by the allegations.

"I believe the women who have come forward and I want to acknowledge their courage and strength," Singh wrote. "It's clear our anti-harassment policies and protections for workers were insufficient and failed to appropriately deal with this behaviour."

Singh wrote that the NDP willreview its policies and iscommitted to changing the culture in and around Parliament Hill.