Premier Alan Winde has announced that he has removed former Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz from the provincial cabinet, effective immediately.

He made this decision after receiving a report from Advocate Jennifer Williams.

The report found there is sufficient credibility in the allegations of sexual misconduct; sufficient credibility in the allegations of alcohol abuse; and sufficient evidence of Fritz creating an environment that is conducive to sexual harassment.

Winde says having gone through the report carefully, it is clear that Fritz is not a fit and proper person to hold any position in his executive council.

I am extremely angry at what appears to be verifiable incidences of serious sexual misconduct by him, in circumstances which in and of themselves were inappropriate.

That it is by someone who has been tasked to protect our youth and our communities, is to me unfathomable. It is a shocking violation of his oath of office and the principles of our constitutional democracy.

This is the starkest reminder of the pervasiveness of gender based violence at all levels of our society, and that every single one of us – from President, to Premier, from CEO, to father, mother, brother, sister or friend – have a role to play to end it.

We acknowledge the bravery of the complainants who came forward, who have suffered immense anxiety. It is important that the manner in which these allegations are dealt with does not disempower them.

Winde says he will meet with the complainants that confided in him and again offer support should they elect to pursue criminal charges.

Up until now, the complainants have not laid criminal charges, and continue to request complete confidentiality, including with respect to the details of their allegations.