Murray denies sexual harassment claims, apologizes to Pembina Institute
Winnipeg's leading mayoral candidate is apologizing for his leadership style at a previous job, and denying recent sexual harassment allegations.
As initially reported by CBC, Glen Murray is being accused of sexually harassing employees while he was executive director at the Pembina Institute in 2017/2018. Murray says those accusations are false.
"Let me begin by saying in no uncertain terms that allegations reported in the media of sexual harassment are false," said Murray to a crowd of supporters at his campaign office Thursday afternoon.
Murray is also being accused of poor management and erratic behaviour while at the Pembina Institute, a Calgary-based clean energy think tank. He did acknowledge those concerns, saying it was an issue with his management style.
"I was hired to serve as executive director of the Pembina Institute. It was with a mandate to bring significant change and overhaul the organization," said Murray. "It's not uncommon when transitions like this begin, there is often reluctance and opposition in some parts of an organization amongst staff. Pembina was no different."
Murray added that it was also a time of great change in his personal life, which affected his job. "I allowed that pressure to spill over into my work life. I am sorry for this, and I take responsibility," he said.
He said the decision to leave the Pembina Institute was mutual.
"It became clear to the leadership team I served – and to me – that my leadership style, and the way I worked was not a good fit with the culture of the organization," said Murray.
Mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham said Winnipeg's next mayor needs to be better than this.
"Winnipeg is at a critical point in its future, the people of Winnipeg need confidence and certainty in their mayor," he said.
Gillingham said he thought of Winnipeg's 10,000 public service employees when he heard the news. He said whoever becomes the new mayor must look out for city workers.
"They need to have assurance that their workplace is safe. As mayor, I will most certainly make sure that they have an environment they can thrive in, that they can work in, and feel safe in," said Gillingham.
Murray said he is sorry for any stress and tension he caused while leading the Pembina Institute. He remains proud of the work he did there.
"I regret allowing my passion to deliver on my mandate to have clouded my managerial judgement," said Murray.
Winnipeggers go to the polls to choose their new mayor and city council on Wednesday, Oct. 26.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.