Saskatchewan Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer speaks during a press conference in Regina, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
Saskatchewan's finance minister, Donna Harpauer, was instructed to apologize on Monday after she sent a text message to the Speaker, accusing him of allowing the legislature to become an "Opposition puppet show."
The incident unfolded during a session when Speaker Randy Weekes revealed that he had received numerous text messages from government members, including Harpauer. He read out one of Harpauer's messages, in which she criticized the Speaker for allegedly allowing false statements and attacks on individuals without evidence during debates, making the assembly a platform for the Opposition's agenda.
Weekes called upon Harpauer to apologize for her message and any others she had sent him. In response, Harpauer apologized for her remarks.
Following Harpauer's apology, the government house leader, Jeremy Harrison, appeared frustrated and made inaudible comments. When prompted by Weekes to apologize, Harrison refused and left the chamber, resulting in Weekes suspending him for the remainder of the day for disregarding his authority.
Deputy government house leader Lori Carr acknowledged that emotions can run high but emphasized the importance of respecting the Speaker's authority. She affirmed the government's acceptance of Weekes' rulings.
The Opposition NDP criticized the government's behavior, suggesting that the messages sent to the Speaker reflect a desire to evade accountability. They raised concerns about government spending and a $6 million sole-source contract awarded to a private surgical company in Calgary, which had made donations to the Saskatchewan Party and received lobbying from a former finance minister.
Health Minister Everett Hindley defended the contract, stating that Clearpoint Health Network was selected because it was the only company capable of providing short-stay hip and knee surgeries. He clarified that the contract did not undergo a competitive bidding process but had the approval of the chief procurement officer.
Hindley accused the Opposition of launching personal attacks, prompting Speaker Weekes to intervene and declare the comment out of order.
Overall, the incident underscored tensions within the legislature and raised questions about the government's handling of accountability and transparency. It also highlighted the Speaker's role in maintaining decorum and impartiality in parliamentary proceedings.
In summary, Saskatchewan's finance minister issued an apology after criticizing the Speaker in a text message, leading to tensions within the legislature. The incident sparked discussions about accountability and transparency in government operations.
