Sask. Speaker makes waves in pair of speeches on his way out
CBC
Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly Randy Weekes made his final speech in the assembly a memorable one on Thursday, making explosive allegations against a former caucus colleague the premier is defending.
Weekes was defeated in a contested nomination in the constituency of Kindersley-Biggar in December ending a run of more than 24 years in office.
On Wednesday night, Weekes posted the picture of his membership card cut in two on his social media accounts with the caption "enough is enough."
At the end of proceedings on Thursday, Weekes gave a 10-minute speech accusing the government of harassment and bullying.
"When I became Speaker, the intimidating and harassing text messages began immediately, trying to influence my rulings," Weekes said.
Weekes read a text he said Harrison sent in March 2023: "That's an absolute bullshit ruling. Completely wrong and Iris (the clerk) will tell you that."
Weekes said Harrison's texts stopped last fall but he then received texts from Deputy House Leader Lori Carr.
It culminated in accusations that government House leader Jeremy Harrison had brought a hunting rifle into the building and wanted to bring in a handgun.
"But more disturbing is his obsession with guns and his use of intimidation both verbally and physically. His desire to get permission to carry a handgun in the legislative assembly is particularly disturbing," Weekes said.
"My concerns over his mental stability and his obsession with guns was only confirmed when he heckled after the passing of the motion to devolve all relevant parts of the Firearms Act to the province. He twice yelled, 'open carry, open carry next.'"
Weekes spoke as Harrison and many other government members sat in the chamber.
WATCH | Sask. Speaker accuses government MLAs of trying to influence his decisions:
In an interview in his office after, Weekes would not elaborate on his claim that Harrison wanted to bring a handgun into the legislature or name an MLA he accused of rushing him at a party function and coming "very close to head-butting me."
As for the timing of his remarks, Weekes said he was committed to running for the party in December, but said once he lost the nomination and the sitting was ending he had "nothing to lose politically."
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