Algoma-Manitoulin MPP sitting as independant while allegations of misconduct investigated
by Tom Sasvari
ALGOMA-MANITOULIN—Michael Mantha, long-time NDP member and Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Algoma-Manitoulin has been removed from caucus due to an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct. He will now sit as an independent MPP, the party revealed on Saturday.
Ontario NDP Marit Stiles said in a statement Saturday, “I have removed Michael Mantha from the Ontario NDP caucus while an independent third-party investigation into alleged workplace misconduct takes place. In order to protect the privacy of the complainant and allow the investigation to run its course, I cannot share further details at this time.”
“I take my responsibility to create a safe workplace seriously,” said Ms. Stiles.
Sources have been quoted as saying the NDP received a complaint in December and that Ms. Stiles had only learned about it upon becoming party leader February 4.
Mr. Mantha has been on a leave from his MPP duties, an NDP spokesperson told The Expositor.
A third party is handling the investigation into the allegations against Mr. Mantha and the NDP is keeping certain information private to protect the identity of the individual, Ms. Stiles said in the statement.
Mr. Mantha has served as an NDP MPP since first being elected in 2011 to represent the riding of Algoma-Manitoulin. He most recently served as the party’s mining and natural resources critic until March 29, when his critic portfolio was reduced to mining alone, a position he no longer holds with his departure from the caucus.
Mr. Mantha hasn’t attended his regular legislative duties this year. The house resumed its sitting on February 21 after rising for winter break on December 8, 2022. Official records show that was the last day he participated in debate or a vote in the legislature.
As well, Mr. Mantha hasn’t posted on his website or his Twitter or Instagram accounts since early February. On February 10 he wrote that he was “very excited to return to the legislature with Marit Stiles as the (new) Leader of the Official Opposition.”
Mr. Mantha released a statement on Monday, April 3.”As a lifelong believer in safe workplaces, I have been and remain fully committed to participating in the independent process now underway. I will continue to serve the people of Algoma-Manitoulin. I will not be commenting further on this matter.”Constituents can continue to contact Mr. Mantha’s office for service.
Mr. Mantha is the first MPP that Ms. Stiles has removed from the NDP caucus as its leader. There are now 30 members in the official Opposition caucus.
