What Speaker Randy Weekes has called “harassing” texts sent to him by Jeremy Harrison, Moe instead characterized as “ambitious” when speaking to media Friday.
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Premier Scott Moe has denied all allegations made by Speaker of the legislative assembly Randy Weekes on the final day of the 29th Legislature.
“I did follow up a little bit with the member that many of the accusations were directed at and … I’ve been informed that they are all unequivocally false,” said Moe on Friday morning.
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The premier said he spoke with government house leader Jeremy Harrison about the allegations, including that he brought a hunting rifle to the legislative building and that he sought permission to carry a handgun at the legislative assembly.
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“He told me the allegations were false,” said Moe, adding that he has confidence in Harrison in his roles as minister and house leader.
Moe said he had not spoken with Weekes.
When asked if Weekes was going to be removed from caucus, Moe noted that the Speaker publicly cut up his Saskatchewan Party membership card and said “if he hasn’t removed himself, I don’t see a chair for him at this point.”
During his tenure as Speaker, Weekes said Harrison sent “hundreds of text messages,” bullying and seeking to influence his rulings on house proceedings.
“When I became Speaker, the intimidating and harassing text messages began immediately,” said Weekes on Thursday.
“I wouldn’t know that I would categorize them as harassing texts,” said Moe, who instead called them “ambitious.” Harrison was initially scheduled to speak at an unrelated announcement Friday, but was replaced by Environment Minister Christine Tell.
“I don’t discount that maybe the Speaker does have concerns,” said Moe, adding he didn’t understand why Weekes took the route he did in airing his grievances.
“I have concern for him,” said Moe.
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When asked if he would like to see an investigation into the allegations, Moe said “it’s not for me to direct any type of investigation, nor do I intend to.”
Were an investigation to take place, the Legislative District Security Unit would investigate and it would “at the end of the day” come up through the office of the minister of policing and corrections.
Before fielding questions Friday, Moe announced a small cabinet shuffle, moving Gord Wyant out as minister of advanced education and appointing Colleen Young to the portfolio.
Young said she was asked to take on the role Thursday, adding she was “eager to dive in.” As for her priorities, Young said “at this time I haven’t had a chance to look at the file.”
Young was first elected in 2014 during a byelection. She attended the University of Saskatchewan, temporarily served on the U of S Senate and spent 20 years with the Lloydminster Public School Board, 16 of which were as board chair.
“It’s one of the most rewarding ministries I’ve had the opportunity to be responsible for,” Wyant said of his time as advanced education minister.
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“It’s bittersweet to leave,” he said, adding that he’s proud of the work done in the role, including efforts toward long-term funding agreements with post-secondary institutions.
As for Wyant’s future, he will not seek re-election in the upcoming general election but, there are hints he plans to run for mayor of Saskatoon.
He wasn’t ready to comment on those hints Friday, but did say he thought it was “fair to step down with all the rumours that are swirling around,” and hoped it made things easier for government. He also said it’s flattering that people think he’s running for mayor, adding he’s currently doing “some exploratory work on that.”
“He’s still an MLA, he’s got work to do,” Moe said when asked about the possible mayoral bid.
As for whether there will be a larger cabinet shuffle ahead given how many other cabinet members are not seeking re-election, Moe said: “I’m not promising there won’t be but I’m not planning one.”
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