Former independent senator Don Meredith would be the first in Canadian history to be stripped of his honourable title under a Senate motion, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“Don Meredith has already lost his honour outside this chamber at least,” said Independent Senators Group Sen. Julie Miville-Dechene. .“His actions have made him persona non grata in the eyes of the public.”.Miville-Dechene said he “sullied his name and the Senate’s image.”.Meredith resigned from his position in 2017 following allegations he had an affair with a 17-year-old student. .He declared his intention to resign before his colleagues were poised to kick him out in an unprecedented vote. .“I am acutely aware that the upper chamber is more important than my moral failings,” he said. .An investigation by the Senate Ethics Office in 2019 cited complaints from employees that Meredith “engaged in some form of harassing, bullying, threatening or intimidating conduct.”.He denied wrongdoing. An investigation censured Meredith over allegations he exposed his genitals to female employees, hugged and kissed staff, put his hands under one employee’s skirt, and called an employee after hours to ask if he could send her a photo of what she was wearing. .A report by retired Quebec Court of Appeal Judge Louis Otis said the toxic work environment generated anxiety, fear, and tension for most complainants. They said they experienced adverse health consequences, as they lost sleep, took medication, and had to consult therapists. .Almost all complainants described his office as their worst work experience. Otis called Meredith’s work behaviour “abusive and oppressive.” .The Senate paid $528,000 to settle harassment complaints by former employees. .Miville-Dechene said it is embarrassing and ridiculous he continues to have an honourable title. The Senate does not have the power to revoke it. .“It can only urge the government to ask the governor general to do so,” she said. .Canadian Senators Group Sen. Josee Verner sponsored the motion. .“I realize that this is an extraordinary process that has never been attempted since this Parliament was established in 1867,” said Verner. .“However, it concerns circumstances that are equally extraordinary.”
