A Canadian MP (member of parliament) has taken medical leave after admitting to theft.
He has temporarily stepped down as nominee in his riding but will remain in the federal NDP caucus.

Svend Robinson who is the NDP MP for Burnaby-Douglas has been elected seven times since his first run in 1979.

Robinson stole a ring on Good Friday.
And a few days later he went to police.

Thing is, if you are in the public eye, half the battle is being the one to release the information first.
People have been known to steal when under stress, it can be a genuine cry for help.

I find it interesting the language is medicalized and geared to garner support and sympathy.
He did it. He is releasing the info.
Politically that’s smart.

“I did this despite knowing full well … that the entire area was under electronic surveillance,” he added, and that the employees recognized him. He said he’s been battling severe stress for the past few months and is now undergoing therapy.

Operative word. Now.

Robinson, who returned the property a few days later, contacted police himself. He’s now under criminal investigation.

Ok. Few things a bit murky here.
There was survellience, so did someone cut him some slack?
Was this “I’ll catch me before you do?”
I don’t have a problem with that, as he owns up.
I hope he hasn’t ‘fessed up’ under threat.

It’s not clear if he will run in the next federal election. Robinson has temporarily stepped down as the riding’s nominee, and is waiting to find out if charges are going to be laid.

Operative phrase. “if charges are going to be”

“As you can imagine, this has been a nightmare. I cannot believe that it has happened, but I am human and I have failed.”

Interesting choice of words.
‘it’ has happened.
Not ‘this has happened’, not ‘I did’, no first person.
That is often a sign of stress.

He stole.
He’ll pay.
I hope he gets the help he needs.

Update: Colby Cosh weighs Robinson’s political career. Good read.