The drama in Alberta’s legislature escalated Monday, as several members of the official opposition walked out of the house – before the speaker ruled the premier had not mislead the house, as the opposition had accused Redford of last week.
On Monday, Speaker Gene Zwozdesky officially ruled contempt of parliament allegations made by the opposition last week had no standing, and the allegations were dismissed.
The ruling came after MLAs from the Wildrose party were shut down by the Speaker a number of times during question period – as Zwozdesky would not allow questions on the contempt of parliament issue.
“What’s the point if he is going to make a mockery of question period then what other recourse do we have?” Wildrose and Opposition Leader Danielle Smith said afterwards. “I think he made a mockery of question period today.”
Members from other opposition parties supported the Wildrose Party Monday.
“It’s still our view that when it comes to the rules that the average Albertan using a certain amount of common sense will engage in, the premier has not been honest with Albertans about her role with the tobacco firm litigations,” NDP MLA Rachel Notley said.
Liberal Leader Raj Sherman said an independent inquiry should be conducted into the matter.
Meanwhile, the premier spoke at an event outside of the legislature before the ruling.
“I’m entirely confident that everything that has been done has been done entirely appropriately,” Redford said.
Conflict of interest complaints have been filed with the Ethics Commissioner – in that case, the Wildrose Party has sent a letter to the Commissioner Neil Wilkinson, saying if he was planning to keep the investigation private, he should call on his counterparts in other provinces to conduct the investigation.
With files from Kevin Armstrong
