Unruly day at the Sask. Legislature features Harpauer apologizing, Harrison storming out

Before question period started on Monday, Speaker Randy Weeks asked for MLA’s to improve their behavior in the Assembly. Less than an hour later, Weeks was back addressing the House as Speaker. I’ve received literally hundreds and hundreds of text messages from the the Government House Leader, the Deputy Government House Leader, and occasionally from the Minister of Finance. Just like to read into the record what the Minister of Finance just sent me. Randy, if you can blame me, lie tarnish reputations of elected and unelected individuals. With innuendos but no proof, we have no Ave. to push back then this assembly has become a joke and a stage for an opposition puppet show. Disappointing. First of all, if you want to make a point of order, get on your feet. And I asked the Minister of Finance to withdraw and apologize for this text and any others that you may feel inclined to send me off the record. I withdraw and apologize. Moments later, the speaker called for another apology. I asked the government host Steve to stand and withdraw and apologize for that comment too. I’m not deaf. I’m not for refusing to apologize. Harrison had to leave the Assembly of what she did on his own accord on Tuesday. Harrison was back and everyone was on their best behavior. Premier Scott Mose says the Speaker’s job is to enforce the rules and that he respects those decisions. I think after yesterday you’d see a hesitance of anyone texting the speaker with, you know, how that was handled. But again, I say we, you know, it’s his. It’s his job solely to keep and maintain the decorum of the assembly. He did that yesterday and he’s done it before, and we expect him to do it again tomorrow if necessary. Moe didn’t criticize her power’s message and he says he warned his caucus to be careful of what they are texting. He says sometimes texts are necessary to coordinate House business between the opposition and government and the Speaker. The opposition agrees, but it says the content of the message is what matters. Texting the Speaker about a ruling that he makes criticizing him, that would be unthinkable to myself and and my team. I can tell you that without a doubt. It’s never been done, nor would we ever dream of it. Conway says the tax from her power to the Speaker was an attempt to pressure and influence him. She says that crossed the line. Adam Hunter, CBC News, Regina.