Woman alleging sexual assault files civil suit against Romeo Saganash

A woman accusing former Nunavik MP Romeo Saganash of sexual assault has filed a civil case against him after his criminal charges were diverted to a restorative justice program.

Carmen Roy alleges she was assaulted one year ago by Saganash, who represented the riding of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou from 2011 to 2019.

Saganash was charged with sexual assault in June 2023 in Winnipeg. In October, his case was referred to the Manitoba Restorative Justice Centre and Saganash was placed into a program for counselling.

None of the allegations against Saganash have been tested in court. Saganash’s lawyer, Ethan Pollock, declined to comment for this story.

Restorative justice is an approach to crime that “puts the emphasis on the wrong done to individuals and communities, and focuses on ‘restoring’ relationships, fixing the damage that has been done and preventing more crimes from occurring,” according to the Province of Manitoba website.

Restorative justice is intended to reduce delays in the court system and reliance on incarceration.

However, according to a statement of claim filed by Roy on April 30, she did not want prosecutors to divert Saganash’s criminal charge to a restorative justice program.

“The Crown prosecutor inappropriately diverted the matter to the restorative justice program foregoing a criminal trial. They did this without consulting Ms. Roy, the victim in the matter or even asking her if this was acceptable to her,” the statement reads.

It goes on the say the restorative justice program is not appropriate for sexual crimes, “especially without the victim’s consent.

“Saganash will not be required to register as a sex offender, admit guilt, or receive a conviction as part of this process.”

“As the victim of this crime, Ms. Roy feels that justice has not been served,” reads the statement of claim.

The statement goes on to describe the details of the alleged incident.

Roy, who works for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, says that at a National Advisory Committee meeting on May 1, 2023, Saganash sat next to her smelling “strongly of alcohol” and appeared to have difficulty maintaining his composure, the statement details.

Saganash allegedly began staring at Roy and “sniffing her in a sexually provocative manner.”

He then “proceeded to grab Ms. Roy underneath her breasts on the left side of her upper torso,” the statement reads.

Roy’s boss, Stephanie Scott, the head of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, then told Saganash not to touch Roy.

The statement says that after Scott returned to her seat, Saganash “grabbed and touched Ms. Roy on her inner left thigh,” leaving her “frozen in fear.”

Scott then returned and asked to switch seats with Roy, who had pulled away when Saganash began touching her hands.

The statement says Scott sent Saganash home in an Uber after the former MP said “I love you” to another woman at the meeting.

Roy, who asked for her name to be made public, is seeking damages for pain and suffering of $500,000.