Opposition calls intensify for justice minister to resign over comments about sexual assault survivors | CBC News
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Calls are mounting from opposition parties for Justice Minister John Hogan to resign over comments he made in March, saying he doesn’t have what it takes for the job.
His comments stem from an incident during a March 6 session of the legislature, when NDP MHA and justice critic Lela Evans presented a petition requesting a directive be considered by Newfoundland and Labrador’s chief judge to prevent lawyers from approaching witnesses or yelling at them.
In response, Hogan said it was “impossible” for lawyers to retraumatize survivors of sexual assault in the province’s justice system.
His comments drew widespread condemnation, including from women’s advocacy groups.
Hogan apologized earlier this month, and when the House of Assembly reopened on Monday he apologized a second time.
Helen Conway-Ottenheimer, MHA for Harbour Main and PC justice critic, said she wasn’t impressed.
“Based on what I’ve heard, I am not satisfied that he is qualified or has the experience and understanding to hold this very powerful position as minister of justice and attorney general and as the top lawyer in the province,” she told reporters outside the legislature.
“He should reflect on this, and the premier should look at this as well and see if it’s in the best interests of the people that he remain. I believe it is not.”
NDP Leader Jim Dinn also questioned whether Hogan is suited for the job of justice minister.
“Maybe there needs to be someone else in that role who’s got a bit more experience and an appreciation, or at least an understanding, of what actually happens in the court system.”
Hogan says he did ‘soul searching’
Hogan said he hasn’t considered resigning.
He told reporters he did “a lot of soul searching” about his comments and why he made them, adding he wanted to make it clear his comments were wrong.
Hogan said he’s also taken the situation as an opportunity to be more thoughtful in what he says and not speak “off the cuff.”
Weeks passed before Justice Minister John Hogan apologized for his comments that it was impossible for lawyers to retraumatize sexual assault victims. On Monday in the House of Assembly, he apologized again. But Helen Conway Ottenheimer, the Tory justice critic, said his comments were harmful given his position — and she wants him to resign.
He attributed his March 6 comments to a “heated moment” in the House and said he was defending the lawyers of his department.
Conway-Ottenheimer disputed Hogan’s description of the exchange as “heated,” saying Evans got up to present a petition and there was no back-and-forth between Evans and Hogan.
She also said she’s worried about the broader effects Hogan’s comments could have on sexual assault survivors.
“I’m very concerned about the chilling effect that that has on victims and whether that will prevent them and deter them from coming forward,” said Conway-Ottenheimer.
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