'They do need to be kept in check': Sask. premier responds to MLA suspension ruling
Cabinet ministers in Saskatchewan’s legislative assembly are frustrated over opposition attacks during question period.
The Sunrise Motel controversy and the province’s dealings with Clearpoint Health Network has led to some fiery exchanges in the chamber in recent weeks.
Finance Minister Donna Harpauer sent a text to the speaker suggesting the opposition be reigned in. Speaker Randy Weekes objected to the unsolicited input – and demanded the deputy premier withdraw and apologize.
“I would just like to read into the record what the Minister of Finance just sent me, ‘Randy, if you can blatantly lie, tarnish reputations of elected and unelected individuals with innuendos but no proof, we have no avenue to push back and this assembly has become a joke and a stage for an opposition puppet show. Disappointing,’” Weekes said, quoting the message.
The Speaker claimed to be bombarded by texts from government benches and sought an apology.
Harpauer complied, however Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison became upset over what was happening and offered comment from his desk.
“I ask the Government House Leader to stand and withdraw and apologize for that comment too,” the Speaker added.
“I’m not deaf.”
Harrison responded to the order by saying “I’m not" and left the house. Weekes suspended Harrison for the rest of the day for disregarding his authority.
Premier Scott Moe told reporters on Tuesday he accepts the Speaker’s ruling.
“[The Speaker] is there to do just that and emotions, and MLAs do bring emotions to the floor of the assembly. That in itself I think is admirable but they do need to be kept in check,” he said.
“The assembly is a place … to debate policy decisions that each party is putting forward. It should never be a place of personal attacks. There I think some frustration with the approach that some of the opposition members are taking, they view it as much too personal,” Moe added.
The opposition believes government members have crossed a line.
“I mean, the Speaker represents the institution. It’s about influencing and pressuring him in that position.”
The premier believes texting was an efficient way to conduct house business. However, he believes his members now will think twice before ever texting the speaker again.
“I think people would have paused before they start sending another text if that is the result,” Moe explained.
“So I think it was maybe unexpected [but] it's his prerogative.”
- With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.