Kent Hehr has resigned as Canada's Minister for Sport and Persons with Disabilities after he was accused of sexual harassment ©Getty Images

Kent Hehr has resigned as Canada's Minister for Sport and Persons with Disabilities after he was accused of sexual harassment during his time as a provincial politician.

The 48-year-old has stepped down from the Federal Cabinet following claims he made inappropriate sexual remarks when he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta 10-years-ago.

The allegations against Hehr, which emerged on social media, suggested women felt uncomfortable around him.

It is claimed Hehr described Kristin Raworth, an Alberta public servant, as "yummy" the first time they met in an elevator.

In a series of social media posts, Raworth claimed she was told to "avoid being in a elevator with Kent Hehr" as he would "make you feel unsafe".

Hehr's resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

He has confirmed in a statement of his own that he plans to continue serving as the Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre.

Kent Hehr's resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ©Getty Images
Kent Hehr's resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ©Getty Images

Trudeau said Hehr's position would be temporarily filled by Kirsty Duncan, who will serve as Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities in addition to being Minister of Science.

"Harassment of any kind is unacceptable and Canadians have a right to live and work in environments free from harassment," said Trudeau. 

"As a Government we take any allegations of misconduct extremely seriously, and we believe that it is important to support women who come forward with allegations and that is exactly what our Government will do."

Hehr, a promising sportsperson before he was paralysed when he was the victim of a drive-by shooting in October 1991, said he "welcomed" the investigation into his conduct.

"Throughout my career I have always tried to conduct myself with respect towards others, and I understand the most important thing is how each individual feels," said Hehr in a statement. 

"I have been informed that an investigation into these allegations has begun and I welcome and respect this process.

"While this is ongoing, I have resigned from cabinet pending the outcome of the investigation. 

"I do not want to be a distraction to all the good work ‎being done by our Government. 

"I will be staying on as Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre to continue working hard on behalf of my constituents."

Hehr's resignation comes as Calgary continues to consider a possible bid for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.