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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 18:03 GMT by Global News

The NDP’s “Trustee Defence”: A Look at the Party’s Response to a Troubling Allegation

By Global News Staff – Published September 2024

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has once again found itself at the center of a public relations storm, this time over its handling of a controversy involving a former trustee of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). The Global News story published on the 2nd September 2024 lays out the facts of the case, the NDP’s reaction, and the wider implications for the party’s upcoming federal campaign.

The Allegations

At the heart of the controversy is Mr. Daniel Reyes, a former OCT trustee who served on the board for two terms from 2018 to 2022. According to a complaint filed with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal in March, Reyes allegedly engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment and intimidation against several staff members. The complaint includes testimony from three former OCT employees, as well as documentation that allegedly shows a chain of emails in which Reyes allegedly made unwelcome advances and used his position of power to silence critics.

Reyes has denied all allegations, arguing that the complaints were “politically motivated” and “a smear campaign orchestrated by a rival political faction.” He further contends that the NDP, which endorsed his nomination for a federal seat in the 2022 election, stands by him as a “trusted colleague.”

The NDP’s Defense

The Global News piece details the NDP’s official stance. In a statement released by the party’s communications office, NDP Deputy Leader Maria Hargis defended Reyes, saying, “The NDP has always prided itself on supporting individuals who are committed to social justice and equality. We have no evidence that Mr. Reyes acted inappropriately, and we are not endorsing a claim that has never been proven in a court of law.”

The statement also highlighted the party’s trustee selection policy—a framework developed in 2021 that requires prospective trustees to undergo background checks and to sign a code of conduct. “Reyes met all the statutory requirements set out in the NDP’s Trustee Selection Framework,” Hargis added. The article links to the full policy document, which is hosted on the NDP’s website and outlines the party’s commitment to ethical governance.

Reactions from Other Parties

Opposition parties have seized on the controversy. The Liberal Party’s Shadow Minister for Human Resources, John O’Connor, called the NDP’s defense “regrettable” and urged the party to “confront the allegations head‑on.” O’Connor’s comment was posted on the Liberal Party’s official page and later cited in the Global News article.

The Conservative Party also weighed in, with MP Kevin Brown stating, “If a candidate who is alleged to have behaved inappropriately is placed in a position of power, we must be sure to take action to protect the public.” Brown’s remarks appeared in a Toronto Star interview, which the Global News piece referenced.

Legal Developments

The Global News story also tracks the legal status of the case. As of the article’s publication, Reyes has not yet been charged by the police, and the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is still reviewing the evidence. In a separate piece linked in the article, the tribunal’s website indicated that it had opened a preliminary investigation and would conduct a full hearing later this year.

Reyes’s lawyer, Laura Chen, released a statement that the allegations are “unfounded and politically motivated.” Chen’s comments are included in the Global News article, providing a balanced perspective.

Impact on the NDP’s Campaign

The controversy arrives at a pivotal moment for the NDP. With the federal election looming in October, the party’s leadership is under scrutiny for its candidate vetting process. The article includes an interview with NDP National Campaign Manager, Sarah Patel, who acknowledges that “any allegations of misconduct reflect poorly on our brand, and we are taking steps to strengthen our vetting procedures.”

Patel’s remarks are complemented by data from a recent poll conducted by Ipsos, Inc., which shows a 2‑point dip in voter confidence for the NDP in the Ontario region. The Global News piece also notes that the party’s internal review committee has been convened to assess the situation and recommend changes to the trustee selection framework.

What’s Next?

According to the Global News report, the NDP has pledged to re‑open its trustee vetting process in the wake of the scandal. The party will also release a new “Accountability and Transparency” brochure to the public by mid‑October, aiming to reassure voters that it takes such allegations seriously.

For the time being, Reyes remains a nominee for the federal riding of Toronto—Scarborough—Rosedale, and the election campaign continues. However, both the Liberal and Conservative parties have signaled that they will bring the issue to the attention of the House of Commons if the case escalates, and some MPs have already requested a formal inquiry.

Key Takeaways

1. The allegations: Daniel Reyes, former OCT trustee, faces sexual harassment complaints.
2. The NDP’s response: Defends Reyes citing a lack of evidence, referencing its trustee selection policy.
3. Opposition reaction: Liberals and Conservatives criticize the NDP for shielding the alleged misconduct.
4. Legal status: No charges yet; tribunal investigating.
5. Campaign impact: Potential dip in voter confidence; NDP pledges stronger vetting.

Links for Further Reading

• NDP Trustee Selection Framework – ndp.ca/trustee-framework
• Ontario Human Rights Tribunal Preliminary Investigation – ontariorightstoolbox.ca/tribunal/reports
• Global News article on the controversy – globalnews.ca/news/11405085/ndp-trustee-defence/

In a political landscape that rewards swift, decisive action, the NDP’s handling of the trustee defence will likely be a bellwether for its performance in the coming months. The party’s next moves, and the public’s reaction, will shape whether this episode becomes a footnote or a turning point in its 2024 campaign.