'Make sure that it's safe': Sask. restricts public gallery access following disruptive demonstration
Public presence in Saskatchewan’s Legislative Assembly has long been part of the parliamentary process. A noisy pro-Palestinian demonstration has prompted restrictions to be put in place.
“There was a decision made by the legislative district security unit to enhance some of the procedures coming in for individuals coming into their legislative assembly,” Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Paul Merriman told reporters Wednesday.
The number of people permitted in the legislature’s galleries will be restricted to 20 people.
Those wishing to attend must apply for government approval three days in advance. Exceptions may be made to accommodate school groups.
“We want to make sure that it’s safe for individuals. What we saw on Monday – there was a massive disruption,” Merriman added.
Hundreds of demonstrators had to be directed out of the galleries on Monday after loud chants of the phrase “ceasefire now” put a halt to legislative proceedings.
The legislature will also conduct a committee review into circumstances behind the protest – which delayed proceedings for around an hour.
“This was not just like some thing that happened on a Monday. This is a big deal and we did not know where it was going to go,” Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison explained.
“We’ve seen protests of groups that are entirely aligned with the folks that were here that have turned very bad.”
NDP MLA Meara Conway voiced the opposition’s concerns regarding the government’s direction.
“If we actually look at the record of the Sask. Party government we can see a pattern of behaviour that actually points to the erosion of democracy,” she said.
Restrictions on public attendance in the galleries will be reassessed at the end of the month and could be lifted if the government determines that the threat to public safety has decreased.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
PWHL Minnesota defeats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.