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The Speaker of the Manitoba legislature has expressed regret over his remarks dismissing an Opposition question as inappropriate and has warned that continued unruly behaviour may lead to disciplinary action against legislators.
Tom Lindsey’s apology came in the wake of a heated session during question period that escalated into a confrontation.
The Opposition Progressive Conservatives raised concerns regarding a contract from the Finance department related to therapy services, insinuating—without supporting evidence—that the therapy may have been connected to Finance Minister Adrien Sala.
This claim prompted strong reactions from the New Democratic Party (NDP) members, who shouted “shame” and contended that the question was inappropriate. The Speaker initially sided with the NDP, claiming that questions pertaining to personal health should not be posed in such a setting.
However, Lindsey later acknowledged that his initial stance was incorrect, emphasizing that members of the legislature are entitled to ask a wide array of questions in accordance with established parliamentary protocols.
Moreover, Lindsey conveyed his frustration over the lack of decorum during the session, noting that he struggled to regain order as the chamber erupted into chaos. He indicated that if such disturbances continue, he may take further action, including removing members from the chamber.
“The behaviour exhibited in this house was absolutely unacceptable. At one point, the volume from the government front benches was so high that I had to raise my voice just to be heard,” Lindsey commented. He expressed that while recent instances of poor conduct have occurred, the altercation on Tuesday was particularly egregious.
Following the Speaker’s remarks, the assembly members remained silent as he elaborated on the need for decorum.
“If members continue to disregard the authority of the chair, I will not hesitate to exercise my powers as your Speaker and remove those members from this chamber,” Lindsey warned.
In the midst of the disruption, Tory member Greg Nesbitt, the legislator who posed the initial questions regarding the contract, defended his inquiry. He argued that his intentions were merely to clarify how taxpayer funds were being utilized and that he believed his right to question should not be stifled.
Shortly after the tumultuous exchange, government representatives informed the media that the $10,000 contract was designated for mental health support aimed at aiding workers involved in searching a landfill for the remains of murdered First Nations women. This sensitive issue follows the conviction of Jeremy Skibicki, who was found guilty of killing four women, with the remains of two recently discovered at the landfill.
Before Lindsey’s subsequent clarification, NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine condemned Nesbitt’s insinuations, describing his remarks as “deplorable.” She asserted that discussing someone’s potential need for therapy within the chamber was entirely inappropriate.
Source
globalnews.ca