Investigation process into former Nova Scotia Tory leader fair:Interim leader

FILE: Karla MacFarlane says she believes the use of a third-party Halifax-based lawyer was fair to both Baillie and a party staffer at the centre of the allegation, adding that both had no complaints during the process. (Photo by CharlesFAllison – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s Interim Progressive Conservative leader says she feels the party’s investigation into an allegation of inappropriate behaviour by former leader Jamie Baillie was fair.

Karla MacFarlane says she believes the use of a third-party Halifax-based lawyer was fair to both Baillie and a party staffer at the centre of the allegation, adding that both had no complaints during the process.

Baillie, who announced plans last fall to step down after serving as Tory leader since 2010, was forced to quit immediately last week after the party’s investigation found he acted inappropriately and breached the legislature’s policy on workplace harassment.

A news release issued Friday by party president Tara Miller said both participants chose not to follow the formal process laid out in the legislature’s harassment policy, although its definitions were used to make findings which concluded that Baillie was in breach.

MacFarlane said the formal process wasn’t used ultimately because the complaint was brought to the party and not the caucus.

She says she feels the legislature’s policy is a good one as written, but she’s open to looking at any changes if anyone feels they are needed.