Jeremy Harrison admitted to carrying a gun to the legislature 10 years ago. (Archive photo) PHOTO: CBC/MATT DUGUID
An email obtained by Saskatchewan Legislative Speaker Randy Weekes and sent to CBC casts doubt on Minister Jeremy Harrison's explanation of the shotgun incident. The New Democrats claim these revelations contradict Harrison's version.
Jeremy Harrison recently admitted to bringing a gun into the Legislative Building around ten years ago, stating that he stopped briefly to pick up documents before a weekend hunting trip. He asserted that building security was aware of the firearm's presence.
However, an email from April 28, 2016, presents a different perspective on the incident. Though the names of the sender and recipient are redacted, the email appears to be from a former Saskatchewan sergeant.
The email describes a man in camouflage attire carrying a gun case towards the Legislative Building. Security initially did not recognize him. A guard was about to alert others about the gun when he identified the man as Minister Harrison.
Harrison proceeded past security with the gun case before disappearing down a hallway. The sergeant-at-arms mentioned that Legislative Building security should have been informed of the minister's arrival with a rifle. He suggested the firearm could have been stored in the security office to prevent Harrison from carrying it further.
According to Carla Beck, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), this email contradicts Harrison's claim that security was aware of his presence with the gun. Beck also notes discrepancies in the timing, as the incident occurred during the week, not the weekend as Harrison stated.
Beck criticizes Harrison for not exploring alternative options, such as leaving the gun at home. She suggests his inability to tell the truth reflects poorly on his character. Beck demands Harrison's removal from the provincial cabinet if he is not excluded voluntarily.
In response, Harrison maintains that Legislative Building security was aware of his arrival with the rifle, a point he believes the email confirms. He admits uncertainty about the exact timing of the incident but asserts it happened during a weekend around ten years ago.
The email's revelations intensify scrutiny over Harrison's account of the gun incident. It raises questions about transparency and integrity within the provincial government, prompting calls for accountability and potential consequences for Harrison's actions.
