N.S. Minister Takes Unpaid Leave After Alleged Assault by Former Liberal Staffer

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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A statement issued by Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil’s office confirmed on Tuesday that N.S. Energy Minister, Andrew Younger, has sought a leave of absence to deal with “personal matters.” Sources claim that the leave was related to him being the victim of an alleged assault by a former Liberal staffer.

Halifax police denied to identify the suspect on Wednesday as it said that the information has yet to be sworn in court. Const. Pierre Bourdages confirmed that the “alleged incident” took place in Halifax in October 2013 but police was not informed until Nov. 19, 2014. Additionally, Bourdages assured that it wasn’t random incident since both the victim and the suspect knew each other well. However, several reports have alleged that a woman named Tara Gault has been charged. She currently works as a clerk for Halifax Regional Municipality but was earlier a policy analyst for the Liberal caucus for nearly three years. According to the police, the accused was arrested on Dec. 19 and has been released from custody but must not contact or be near the victim.

According to the statement issued by the Premier’s office, Mr. Younger had formally requested a temporary leave of absence on Dec. 23. Declining to comment further, it said that “that is for Mr. Younger to discuss, should he choose to do so.” The premier’s office confirmed on Wednesday that Mr. Younger’s pay has been suspended and his leave has been extended for an undetermined length of time. The economic development and tourism minister, Michel Samson, has been tasked to temporarily perform his duties.