Speaker disapproves of NDP heckling but dismisses formal complaint

The Speaker of the Manitoba Legislature dismissed a Progressive Conservative complaint about NDP heckling evenas she expressed disapprovalof the behaviourand suggested it could be construed asintimidation.

In a ruling issued on Monday afternoon,SpeakerMyrna Driedgersaid shouts of "shame" directed by NDP MLAs James Allum, Andrew Swan and Rob Altemeyerat female Tory MLAsduring a vote on Oct. 6did not preventany MLA from doing their job.

Fort Richmond MLA Sarah Guillemardcomplained about the behaviour, noting the opposition MPs did not shout at her male colleagues.Swan andAllumapologizedfor theirbehaviourthe following day.

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Driedger said Guillemard did not make her complaint at the first opportunity, which is required when an MLA asserts a point of privilege. Driedger still admonished MLAs for poor behaviour in the legislature and demanded all elected officials remain silent during recorded votes.

"I must state as plainly as I am able that I do not approve of such behaviour in this place," the Speakersaid.

Driedgeralso rejected a separate, untimely Tory complaint about an interview with St. John's NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine that suggested the Speaker was acting in a partisan manner. Fontaineapologized for her comments

• Nahanni Fontaine leaves legislature as Pallister prods for 'cover up' apology

"In the future, I would urge members to raise issues in a timely manner, as the failure to do so can impact determination of the orderliness of the issue raised," Driedgersaid.

Driedgeralso admonished Toryand NDPMLAs for speaking to the media about points of privilege before she rules on them.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallisterand NDP house leader Jim Malowayaccepted the rulings.

"I thought she ruled perfectlyand admonishing misbehaving members is a positive thing. And I think we're going to try to benefit and learn something from that and act a little better than we have," Maloway said.

• MLA yelled 'Take your pants off' in legislature, PCs say, but NDP denies accusation

Driedger has yet to rule on a third complaint raised by Tory Culture, Heritage and Sport Minister Rochelle Squires, who claimed Altemeyer yelled "take your pants off" at her during question period on Oct. 6.

Altemeyer said he actually said "take a pass on it."