WINNIPEG –
Law groups across Canada are denouncing the Manitoba NDP’s ouster of a backbencher over his ties to the lawyer representing convicted sex offender Peter Nygard, while more caucus members are speaking out in support of the move.
National and provincial legal organizations are calling on Premier Wab Kinew to reverse the decision to boot Mark Wasyliw from caucus and are demanding an apology over the NDP’s rationale for turfing him.
On Monday, caucus chair Mike Moyes announced Wasyliw had been removed after caucus learned of the legislature member for Fort Garry’s business relationship with Nygard’s defence lawyer.
Moyes said in the statement that Wasyliw, who has been working as a defence lawyer while serving in the legislature, failed to demonstrate good judgment.
Women in Canadian Criminal Defence, a national advocacy organization, posted on social media Thursday that it is the NDP caucus that has failed to demonstrate good judgment.
“The …