Sask. legislative security changes rules for public gallery visitors following protest
CBC
The service that provides security for the Saskatchewan Legislative Building has changed the rules for guests inside the public gallery following a protest that shut down the debate on Monday afternoon.
Dozens of people calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas filled the gallery benches to watch question period on Monday. A few minutes in, the crowd began chanting "ceasefire now." They were asked to stop by Speaker Randy Weekes, but continued.
MLAs left the house floor while the galleries were cleared by security.
Guests are not allowed to speak, clap, or use cellphones while watching proceedings.
The house resumed after a 40-minute delay, but the clock for question period expired.
Following the incident, the Legislative District Security Unit (LDSU) has implemented "temporary mitigation measures to aid in preventing future disruptions within the Legislature."
They include:
The LDSU said the changes took effect on Tuesday and will remain in place until at least Nov. 30. The fall sitting concludes on Dec. 7.
Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Paul Merriman spoke to reporters about the changes on Wednesday afternoon. The LDSU falls under Merriman's ministry.
"We want to make sure the assembly is open, but we want to make sure it is safe for individuals. What we saw on Monday was a massive disruption. Some of the recommendations that came from the LDSU in response to that, and I am supportive of the moves."
Merriman said the director of the LDSU brought forward the changes, not the government.
The provincial government passed Bill 70 in May 2022, moving building security from the responsibility of the speaker to the government ministry.
"I thought they did an absolutely amazing job. I've been around the building and thanked each one of them individually. I don't think we would have had the same response a year or two ago," Merriman said of security's reaction to Monday's protest
Merriman said the LDSU escorted people out and was able to de-escalate the situation.
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