Provencher MP Ted Falk says he and other Members of Parliament have spent a lot of time talking about sexual misconduct by politicians as the sitting of Parliament resumed this week after the Christmas break. Falk describes the feeling in Ottawa these days.

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Provencher MP Ted Falk"I think the mood on the (Parliament) Hill generally is one of disappointment that some former members have been involved in some situations that seem to involve sexual harassment and taking advantage of individuals in an employer-employee situation, where one has power and the other one doesn't. I think there is general disappointment that these things are happening."

At the same time, Falk says this type of behavior is not the norm in Ottawa.

"No, absolutely not, this is not a behavior that is rampant on the Hill here in Ottawa. In fact, I would say it is isolated to very few individuals. Canada's Conservatives have always believed that all forms of harassment, sexual violence, discrimination, anywhere, including the workplace, are unacceptable."

Falk says he was pleased to speak in the House of Commons this week on new legislation that is designed to strengthen sexual-harassment protection for federal employees. He notes the recent rash of stories involving mistreatment of women are also a reminder to all of us about how we treat each other.

"A person can never go wrong being respectful and decent whereas if you're going to flirt along the edge, there's always a chance that you're going to cross over the line and say or do something that's completely inappropriate, especially when viewed in the lens of hindsight. Those are the kinds of things that catch up with people and so one has to be careful in all of their relationships to maintain a respectful and appropriate relationship with people."