Sask. NDP wants independent investigation into harassment, bullying and gun claims by Speaker
CBC
The Opposition NDP is calling for an independent investigation into allegations regarding harassment, bullying and guns made by Saskatchewan Speaker Randy Weekes.
On Tuesday, NDP critic for ethics and democracy Meara Conway sent a letter to Weekes asking him to convene the house services committee.
Conway said the committee can appoint an independent investigator and give the investigator subpoena power. In that case, witnesses would have to testify, under oath, at official hearings.
"The Speaker's allegations are alarming and we know at least one person in the premier's inner circle, if not Moe himself, lied about them," Conway said.
Conway's letter asks Weekes to "urgently convene" the committee. She said it would be up to the committee to appoint an investigator and discuss the terms of reference for an investigation.
"The rule of law must be upheld and the basic principles of workplace safety and accountability must be respected," Conway said in the letter.
Conway told reporters Weekes could call the committee and it could agree to the request or a majority of Saskatchewan Party MLAs on the committee could vote any next steps down.
On the last day of the legislative sitting, Weekes made a speech that accused government members and staffers of intimidation and sending harassing text messages. Many of the allegations were levelled at now-former government House leader Jeremy Harrison.
"When I became Speaker, the intimidating and harassing text messages began immediately, trying to influence my rulings," Weekes said in the chamber on May 16.
Weekes read a text message sent by Harrison on March 22, 2023: "That's an absolute bullshit ruling. Completely wrong and Iris (the clerk) will tell you that."
Weekes said Harrison stopped texting him last fall but would still text the clerk. Weekes said deputy House leader Lori Carr took over texting him.
"She especially harassed me during the emergency debate on the parental rights motion," Weekes said.
He also claimed an adviser to the premier "lunged at him" in a hallway and an "MLA rushed me at a party function and came very close to head-butting me."
Premier Scott Moe has denied the allegations made by Weekes. Harrison continues to deny allegations made by Weekes including a claim he sought permission to bring a handgun into the assembly.
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