(ATR) The president of the Canadian Olympic Committee has stepped aside amid a sexual harassment probe.
Marcel Aubut announced Sept. 30 that he had learned of allegations about remarks he made to a female colleague. He could resume duties once the investigation is complete.
Former Quebec Superior Court Chief Justice Francois Rolland was retained by the COC to conduct an internal investigation. A statement issued by Aubut said he "never intended to offend or upset anyone by anything he might have said in the performance of his duties."
A COC statement said Aubut "has offered his unconditional support to those responsible for investigating the remarks attributed to him and setting the record straight. This is a normal process that should be completed by mid-October."
After Toronto hosted the 2015 Pan American Games, Aubut failed to convince Toronto Mayor John Tory to make a last-minute bid for the 2024 Olympics. Tory cited a lack of provincial and federal support.
Aubut, 67, is a former National Hockey League executive who became COC president in April 2010. Aubut was a partner in the Heenan Blaikie law firm that dissolved in 2014. He is now a partner in another firm. He has been COC president since 2012.
The allegations against Aubut come two months after a Pan American Games protocol manager filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment by David Peterson, the former Ontario premier who chaired Toronto 2015. Peterson denies the allegations.
Written by Bob Mackin.