Gerry Sklavounos, MNA accused of sexual assault, goes on medical leave

Gerry Sklavounos, the MNA who left the Liberal caucus last week after being accused of sexualassault, has taken medical leave from the National Assembly.

Sklavounos announced the decision in a letter obtained by Radio-Canada addressedto Jacques Chagnon, president of the National Assembly.

In the letter, Sklavounos wrote that the "present situation has greatly affected him."

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"Over the last few days, public declarations puttingmy conduct into question have quickly escalatedand have affected my reputation as well as the reputation of the person who has accused me," wrote Sklavounos.

"In this context, it seems appropriate to me to give as much space to authorities so that they can carry outtheir delicate task, out of respect for all people involved."

He does not say how much time he will be taking off.

"Under the advice of my close advisors, I consulted my doctor, who prescribed aleave to allow me to face thesituation asbest as I can, with the support of my family," wroteSklavounos.

In the letter,Sklavounossaidhis team will continue to work in his riding while he is away.

The alleged assault happened in 2014.

Alice Paquetfirst went public with the allegation last weekduringa vigilforLaval Universitysexual assault victims, but initially didn't name her alleged assailant.

The next day she namedSklavounosas the man who allegedly assaulted her.

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Sklavounoshas not been charged with any crime.Quebec City police have an open investigation into the allegations.

Heleftthe Liberalcaucus on Oct. 20. Sklavounos was thedeputy house leader underPremierPhilippe Couillard and has served as the MNA for Laurier-Dorion since 2007.