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Senator Larry Campbell defends accused MPs, thinks accusers should come forward

Senator Larry Campbell defends accused MPs, thinks accusers should come forward

It’s just not fair.

That’s the message Liberal senator Larry Campbell is spreading with regard to the “serious personal misconduct” allegations leveled against Liberal MPs Massimo Pacetti and Scott Andrews.

Last week, in an interview with the Hill Times, Campbell a former mayor of Vancouver and ex-RCMP officer said that the two NDP MP accusers should identify themselves publicly.

"I feel bad that they weren’t identified. I think everybody should be identified. Why should they [Liberal MPs] get smeared and [the NDP MPs are not even identified]?" he said.

"To me, it’s just totally unfair."

The misconduct allegations were brought to light earlier this month, when Liberal leader Justin Trudeau suspended Andrews and Pacetti. An NDP MP alerted Trudeau of the separate alleged incidents which presumably took place over a year ago. It’s unclear, at this point, what kind of personal misconduct the NDP MPs are alleging: We don’t know if it was sexual, verbal, physical or otherwise.

After interventions from Liberal and New Democrat party whips, the Liberals sought guidance from Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer in a move now criticized, by the NDP, who claim that they re-victimized the New Democrat members.

Neither of the women want to be identified or file a formal complaint.

On Wednesday, Campbell ‘doubled-down’ in an interview with CBC Radio's As it Happens suggesting that he doesn’t understand why the two women won’t come forward publicly.

"These are two people who are equal. There isn’t a power relationship. One person can’t fire another. One person can’t get rid of another. But by making these allegations we have seen careers basically destroyed and we have no idea why," he said, acknowledging that the alleged victims might be fearful.

"I think when you’re accused of something in our justice system., you should be able to address the accuser. It’s almost better to be charged criminally because at least then you have a chance to clear your name in a public place."

With the women not feeling comfortable enough to come forward, things do seem to be in a state of limbo.

On Tuesday, Scheer wrote a letter to the party whips offering to bring in external experts in a bid to resolve the situation but noted that the “most successful resolution…relies on the willingness of all involved parties to come together to address the issues.”

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau responded by saying that he hopes the Speaker’s offer will be accepted.

"It is our hope that the Speaker’s process will be picked up," he said, according to the Globe and Mail.

"But we are also looking at other alternatives for this, [for] the individuals in question, but I will not speculate on those at this time."

Meanwhile, both Pacetti and Andrews have denied the allegations.

According to the Western Star, Andrews said he would like to run again in the 2015 election.

"I have no new information to add and I’m looking forward to this coming to a speedy resolution in the very near future," he said, according to the newspaper.

"I’ve been trying to get back to normal and to carry on. I’ve been working throughout the riding over the last couple of weeks and back in Ottawa this week to fulfill my obligations there.

"So I’m going to try to carry on as best I can and deal with this with my family and my support team."