A day after Wildrose MLAs gave a cool reception to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who was visiting the Alberta legislature, prompting some negative backlash, the party apologized.
On Thursday, Wynne, who was visiting Edmonton for a meeting with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, was introduced in the Alberta Legislature. Most MLAs stood and applauded their guest – but some members of the Official Opposition appeared to refuse, and stayed seated.
Later on, Wildrose Finance Critic Derek Fildebrandt went on the offensive – saying his party wasn’t sure what Alberta’s government could learn from Ontario’s emissions plan.
The actions of party members prompted condemnation from their opponents, with Alberta Liberal leader David Swann saying he was in ‘disbelief’ over what happened, and Progressive Conservative MLA Richard Starke calling out the party as well, saying: “Political differences must never override basic civility.”
NDP House Leader Brian Mason called the behaviour ‘embarrassing’.
Then, on Friday, the Wildrose House Leader apologized.
“Certainly, we regret what happened and I am sorry for what happened,” MLA Nathan Cooper said.
Cooper defended Fildebrandt’s questions, saying it’s the job of the opposition to ask tough questions.
“Premier Wynne came to Alberta, signed a memorandum of understanding linking the two climate change strategies together, so it’s important we ask the questions around those issues,” Cooper said.
Cooper said the ‘tone’ on Thursday missed the mark, and the party didn’t intend to be disrespectful.
Wynne was in Calgary on Friday, where she was asked to comment on what happened Friday – she would only say that if dignitaries visit Ontario, they are received by all parties with grace.
With files from Susan Amerongen
