A top civil servant in Premier Robert Ghiz's government has taken an indefinite leave of absence following an accusation he behaved inappropriately toward a female MLA.

Cynthia Dunsford confirmed the incident was sexual in nature.
(CBC)

Stratford-Kinlock MLA Cynthia Dunsford filed a complaint with the premier's chief-of-staff after an incident took place at a downtown Charlottetown bar in July, though she wouldn't reveal specifics.

The incident allegedly involved Rory Beck, who was appointed deputy minister of health in late June. He is also a chair of the committee of provincial deputy ministers, and reports directly to Ghiz.

"The details of [the incident] are of course private. … And they were inappropriate. They weren't something that is favourable in a public place and my views were shared with those who needed to know," Dunsford said.

Dunsford confirmed that the action was of a sexual nature.

The premier's chief of staff, Chris LeClair, said the office has conducted an internal investigation into the matter.

"She brought the incident to my attention and we took the matter very seriously. Mr. Beck is an employee of the government … Cynthia Dunsford is an MLA and we looked into it," LeClair said.

A letter of reprimand has been placed in Rory Beck's file.
(CBC)

LeClair concluded that a letter of reprimand should be placed in Beck's personnel file. Dunsford said she was part of the process in deciding how the incident should be dealt with, and she is satisfied. She will not be pursuing charges.

"It was inappropriate, but it was not something that we would consider would require that kind of action," she said.

On Monday, Beck gave his decision that he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his government job.

"He felt that, of his own volition, that a leave of absence to take care of some personal issues, including potential treatment, would be warranted," said LeClair.

Attempts by the CBC to reach Beck have been unsuccessful.