Manitoba NDP MLA booted from caucus due to business partner acting as Peter Nygard's lawyer

Manitoba’s NDP government has removed Mark Wasyliw, MLA for Fort Garry, from the party’s caucus after the party discovered his business partner is working as Peter Nygard’s criminal defense lawyer.

Manitoba’s NDP government has removed Mark Wasyliw, MLA for Fort Garry, from the party’s caucus.

In a release, NDP Caucus Chair Mike Moyes said the decision came after the party learned Wasyliw’s business partner is working as Peter Nygard’s criminal defense lawyer.

Nygard, who founded a fashion empire in Winnipeg, was sentenced earlier this month to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting four women at his company's headquarters in Toronto.

The 83-year-old continues to face charges in Manitoba, Quebec and the United States.

“MLA Wasyliw’s failure to demonstrate good judgement does not align with our caucus principles of mutual respect and trust,” Moyes said.

The release said Wasyliw’s removal is effective immediately.

Wasyliw said he found out about his ejection by email.