Calls to ban former Sask. Party MLA from session over vaccination status dominate question period
Saskatchewan’s official opposition called to ban former Sask. Party MLA Nadine Wilson over refusing to disclose her vaccination status during the first question period of the Fall session.
Wilson resigned from the Sask. Party caucus to become an independent MLA on Sept. 30, after the party said she misrepresented her vaccination status.
“We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard as elected officials, now more than ever in the depths of this fourth wave,” Vicki Mowat, opposition house speaker said.
According to the house speaker for the government, despite “profound disagreement” with her stance, the Sask. Party does not believe Wilson should be blocked from attending session.
“We believe that by vote of this Legislature there would be a very dangerous precedent set if the marority of this chamber, on the basis of policy difference, prevent members from participating,” Jeremy Harrison, Sask. Party house speaker, said.
The government shut down the move to block Wilson.
A sitting MLA has not been banned from the house since Colin Thatcher was charged with the murder of his wife in 1984.
Wilson claims she is experiencing “bullying tactics” during Thursday’s debates.
“No I do not believe in bullying or coercion,” Wilson said. “I’m put there by the people, for the people and I think diversity in the chamber is a very healthy and robust conversation.”
Wilson questioned the Saskatchewan Party’s values -- saying people deserve to work, live and play “without papers.”
“The Saskatchewan Party’s values are for a less intrusive government. They’re also for better quality health-care and those are my ideas as well,” Wilson said. “However the Sask. Party government is not upholding their principles or their values. I believe they’ve changed.”
NDP PUSHES FOR MORE COVID-19 MEASURES
The opposition NDP disagrees with negative test requirements for MLAs in the assembly – saying the only exception should be made for those medically ineligible.
The NDP also disagrees with the removal of masks while speaking. The party said MLAs should be subject to the rules outlined in the public health order.
The government said it intends to stay the course, emphasizing that measures should not apply to the majority of Saskatchewan residents who are vaccinated.
“Why does the leader of the opposition want to always impose sweeping broad restrictions on Saskatchewan people when 85 per cent of people have done the right thing,” Premier Scott Moe said.
The NDP attempted an emergency COVID-19 debate but it was blocked by the government. The opposition said it intends to seek a public inquiry into the handling of the pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.