The royal couple learn about the growing procedures from Norman Hardie at the Norman Hardie Winery in Prince Edward County, as part of the 2017 Royal Tour, on June 30, 2017. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Following a story that broke in the Globe and Mail today alleging sexual misconduct, Norman Hardie of Norman Hardie Winery in Prince Edward County has spoken out.
In a letter sent to Quinte News, the area businessman says language and behaviour he believed to be harmless or in good nature, was anything but.
He continues by saying the issues were brought to his attention and he has since tried to change his behaviour and language, but clearly has much more work to do.
Hardie has brought an independent advisor into the winery to assess the workplace, whom he says “found no examples of sexual harassment in the workplace today”.
He says they have identified some changes that need to be made to the organizational structure, its policies and procedures as well as the code of conduct.
Hardie finishes the letter by saying he will work hard to earn back people’s trust in the coming days, months and years.
The Globe story contains claims of unwanted sexual contact, lewd remarks, and displays of pornography.
Hardie has denied most of the allegations, but does admit to acting unprofessionally at times and said he is deeply sorry if anyone was offended by his actions.
You can find the letter in its entirety here.
