Controversial Native lawmaker on forced leave after arrest

Tuesday, February 12, 2013  

Patrick Brazeau, a Native politician from Quebec, was put on forced leave from Canada's Senate after being arrested on domestic violence charges.

Brazeau is not allowed inside the Senate's chambers. However, he will continue to draw his salary.

Brazeau, who is Algonquin, was charged with assault and sexual assault charges for an incident at his home in Gatineau, Quebec. He has pleaded not guilty.

Brazeau has been under scrutiny in recent weeks. A recording captured him making disparaging remarks about Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence, who was on a hunger strike for six weeks.

He's also being investigated in connection with living expenses he claimed since joining the Senate of Canada in 2008. He claims to live near his reserve even though he has a home in Gatineau, not far from Ottawa.

Get the Story:
Brazeau put on forced leave from Senate (CBC 2/12)

Controversial Native politician arrested in domestic incident (2/8)