Former Parliament Hill staffer alleges 2 MPs sexually harassed him

Ian Capstick, a political commentator on CBC News Network'sPower & Politics, alleges he was sexually harassedby two former members of Parliament, both men, when he worked as a political staffer several years ago.

"Inappropriatetouching hurts, and it stays with you for a long time," Capstick told host Evan Solomon.

• Harassment allegations lead Justin Trudeau to suspend 2 MPs

Capstick claims he was sexually harassed on a regular basis by one MP and in another circumstance, says he was sexually touched by another MP. He says he told the second individual at the time that it was inappropriate.

Capstick says he didn't report either man'sbehaviour.

"Why did I do that at the time? Because I felt powerless," Capstick said.

"You feel absolutely without power to be able to report somebody who is 30 or 40 years, in some instances, your senior and is perhaps at a status where you just simply as a 21-year-old can't challenge that person."

Capstick worked on the Hill between 2002 and 2008, firstfor the Liberal party and then as a press secretary for theNDP.He's now managing partner atMediaStyle, an Ottawa-based communications strategy company.

'JianGhomeshiaffair has allowed people to come forward'

Capstick's comments came during a Power & Politicspanel conversation about two Liberal MPswho were suspended from caucus on Monday because of harassment allegations.

Capstick says the suspensions as well as the allegations against former CBC host Jian Ghomeshifor sexually aggressive and abusive behaviour compelled him to publiclyshare his experience.

"The JianGhomeshiaffair has allowed people to come forward, creating a verydifferentstyle ofconversation," Capsticksaid.

Capstickwasn't planning to talk about his experienceon live television, but once the panel discussion started, he says he decided to open upabout his personal story.

Identities of two former MPs

Solomon asked Capstick if he'll name the two formerMPshe says sexually harassed him.

Capstick responded that he's going to have a conversation with his family to figure out how to proceed.

He added that sexual harassment on Parliament Hill is too common an occurrence.

"People have been harassed both physically and sexually on Parliament Hill for a very long time," he said.