'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
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members today during a ceremony at British Columbia's legislature cenotaph commemorating the Second World War's Battle of the Atlantic.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.