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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.