Despite MLA's claims, Sask. legislative security didn't know Jeremy Harrison was bringing gun to property

An email from 2016 detailing the day Jeremy Harrison reportedly brought a gun into the legislative building shows that security were unaware of the former Government House Leader’s Saskatchewan’s visit.

In the redacted email acquired by CTV News, the acting Sergeant-at-Arms for Saskatchewan’s Legislature at the time lays out concerns over an incident that saw Sask. Party MLA Jeremy Harrison bring a gun into the legislative building.

According to the email, the incident occurred just before noon on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Security noticed a man in camouflage clothing carrying a gun case walking towards the building.

Security did not recognize the person.

“[Redacted] did not recognize the person and was at the point of keying his radio and announcing to the security staff that there was a gun,” the message read. “By this time the person was close enough for [redacted] to say something.”

The unnamed security officer apparently said “sir” after which the person looked up, revealing it was Harrison.

The message goes on to say that Harrison walked past the kiosk carrying his gun case and disappeared around the corner.

“The gun itself was not visible, however, it was obvious it was a gun case.”

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The email listed several concerns caused by the event.

“We should be advised in advance of this type of behavior, even by an MLA, so we can react properly and even given them advice about their action,” it read.

Legislative security did not take the gun away from Harrison. The message expressed that staff should have the option to take the weapon away and store it in their offices rather than allowing it into the building.

“There is no need for anyone to have a gun in this building under these circumstances,” the email read.

The message also highlighted that due to his clothing and hat, Harrison was not recognized immediately, which caused its own concerns.

Lastly, the email criticized Harrison’s decision not to leave the gun in his vehicle.

“In fairness to Mr. Harrison, he probably did not think the firearm would be safe in his pickup, which has its own legal issues, however, I think that this was handled poorly by Mr. Harrison,” it read.

The redacted email sent from the acting Sergeant at Arms on April 28, 2016 outlines concerns from security staff about an incident which saw Jeremy Harrison bring a firearm into the legislative building.

The redacted email sent from the acting Sergeant at Arms on April 28, 2016 outlines concerns from security staff about an incident which saw Jeremy Harrison bring a firearm into the legislative building.

The email marks the latest development in a drawn out saga – which has seen Harrison resign as Government House Leader following allegations made by Speaker Randy Weekes.

Weekes alleged that he was harassed and intimidated by Sask. Party members during his tenure as speaker.

He also alleged that Harrison sought to carry a handgun in the legislature and flouted legislative rules by bringing a firearm into the building.

Harrison unequivocally denied all of Weekes allegations – before backtracking on the gun incident.

‘Number of lies’

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck did not mince words in her reaction to the new information – saying the document proved the former Government House Leader lied.

“We now know from the leaked document that there are number of lies beyond the first lie – the denial of this from the Minister,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

Beck pointed to specific details, such as Harrison recalling the incident happened on a weekend when in fact it took place during the work week.

“This was an incident that happened just a year after the shooting on parliament, to set the context,” Beck said. “We know that the legislative assembly, Sergeant-at-Arms staff were scrambling because they saw an unidentified person in fatigues walking into the legislature with a gun.”

“That shows an appalling lack of judgment,” she added.

Beck called on Premier Scott Moe to remove Harrison from the Saskatchewan Party caucus.

“If he doesn't kick Jeremy Harrison out of cabinet, out of caucus, I think that says a lot about Scott Moe’s leadership, and it doesn't say anything good about it,” she said.

In response to Harrison’s defence of his actions, stating that it would be more dangerous if he left the weapon in his vehicle – Beck disagreed.

“No one buys it. He could have locked the door. He has a home in Regina. He could have left the gun at home,” she said.

“There's a number of options that he had – including telling the truth – but he seems to be incapable of doing that.”

Canada’s Firearms Act plainly states guidelines for the safe transportation of firearms. The act states that if firearms are left in an unattended vehicle – they must be unloaded and placed inside a lockable compartment, such as a trunk.

If a lockable compartment isn't available, the firearm should be stored out of sight within the locked vehicle.