The Opposition justice critic is calling for the removal of John Hogan as justice minister after he made comments indicating that it is impossible for lawyers to retraumatize victims of sexual assault on the stand.
Helen Conway Ottenhemier referenced the recent resignation of Brad Johns as Nova Scotia’s justice minister after comments he made that he says unintentionally downplayed domestic violence.
John Hogan apologized for his remarks, but Conway Ottenheimer says that doesn’t go far enough and she asked the premier whether he believes that Hogan should stay in the justice portfolio.
“Are we expected to believe that a minister who believed this to be so true and was adamant just weeks ago, now no longer holds this view?” asked Conway Ottenhemier who wants to make sure that Hogan’s presence is “not compromising the oversight of justice in this province and further silencing victims of sexual assault.”
Premier Andrew Furey told the House of Assembly he believes Hogan’s apology was contrite.
“The minister said with, I believe, sincere remorse and compassion that he made a mistake” says Furey. He says Hogan is working continuously with groups and stakeholders to ensure government continues to address intimate partner violence and respect for women.