Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement is stepping back from his responsibilities in Ottawa.
Clement said he shared sexually explicit images and a video with a female recipient he thought was consenting over a three-week period. He says the woman ended up attempting to extort him for money. He has involved the RCMP and will step away from his House of Commons committee assignments and will no longer serve as Conservative Shadow Minister for Justice.
He will remain as MP for the Parry Sound-Muskoka district but is asking for privacy at this time for himself and his family.
“First and foremost, I apologize to my family for the needless pain and humiliation my actions have caused,” said Clement. “I also apologize to my colleagues and my constituents for letting them down.”
Party leader Andrew Scheer has accepted Clement’s resignation. Scheer posted the following on Facebook:
“Tonight, I have accepted Tony Clement’s resignation as the Conservative Shadow Minister for Justice and his resignation from his various committee roles.
While I’m greatly disappointed with Mr. Clement’s actions, I am encouraged that he has decided to seek help and I wish him all the best in doing so.”
Scheer’s post also announced Conservative Deputy Leader and Milton MP Lisa Raitt will take over as Shadow Minister for Justice for Clement.
In his statement, Clement said he recognizes that he has “exercised very poor judgment,” that he has “gone down a wrong path,” and that he is committed to “seeking the help and treatment” he needs in his personal life to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Clement has been the MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka since 2006.
UPDATE: Global News is reporting the extortionist is demanding Clement pay her 50,000 euros or she’ll release the sexually explicit photos and video to the public.