Michael Mantha says he has no staff as he transitions to an independent MPP amid the investigation into workplace misconduct allegations that led to his removal from the NDP caucus.
Mantha, who has been MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin since 2011, has issued a statement declining to address the allegations, but he did answer ElliotLakeToday's questions about the status of his office.
A third party is handling the investigation into the allegations against Mantha and the NDP is keeping certain information private to protect the identity of the individual who made it, the party has said.
Mantha said he continues to respond to constituent inquiries and with his phones now working can respond to any questions they might have about services they might need but, without staff, it remains to be seen how quick or effective those responses may be.
He has no staff currently because his previous employees were unionized under an NDP caucus contract and they were advised, “not to go into work.”
Mantha said until entitlements in the contract are made clearer his former employees cannot be hired back. In that case, the MPP will have to hire new staff.
Meanwhile, Mantha is slowly reworking computers, phones and staff as he prepares for his new role as an independent MPP in Ontario.
In a phone interview this morning, Mantha described his current situation as a “logistical nightmare,” for himself and the operation of the constituency and Queens Park offices.
Mantha said he decided he will sit as an independent and has been preparing for that. In today’s telephone interview, he said his computer files and phones have “to be switched over,” before he can continue in his new role.
“A lot of my computers need to be changed over and files transferred,” he said.
His plan is to head to his office in Toronto today to sort out equipment there and is expected back in the riding within the next two days.
