Former MP Stoffer apologizes five times for his ‘touchy’ behaviour
HALIFAX — Former New Democrat MP Peter Stoffer issued a series of public apologies Friday for behaviour he acknowledged was perceived as demeaning or inappropriate, saying he never intended to insult anyone or make them feel uncomfortable.
Stoffer’s acknowledgment came a day after allegations of inappropriate touching and kissing were levelled against him by women who worked with him on Parliament Hill between 2006 and 2009.
The popular former politician and well-known veterans advocate held a news conference in Halifax, where he said he was “deeply apologetic and regretful” for what happened when he was the member of Parliament for the suburban riding of Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook.
Stoffer, who served as a Nova Scotia MP from 1997 to 2015, specifically denied sexually assaulting or physically abusing anyone. However, he admitted that his actions as a “touchy” and “very gregarious, fun-going person” may have led to behaviour that was perceived as inappropriate.