Saskatchewan MLA Jeremy Harrison has resigned as the Government House Leader after allegations brought forward by the legislative Speaker last week.
Speaker Randy Weekes made several allegations about the behaviour of a number of Sask. Party MLAs, primarily focusing on Harrison.
In addition to allegations of bullying and harassment, MLA Harrison was said to have brought a long gun and sought permission to carry a handgun in the Legislative Assembly.
On Friday, Harrison addressed the allegations.
“I have never had a firearm in the Legislative Chamber or anywhere in the Legislative Building during the period that MLA Weekes has been Speaker,” Harrison said.
“Approximately a decade ago, I was going hunting on a weekend. I stopped at the Legislative Building for a short period of time and brought a properly cased long gun into the building with the knowledge of security officials so as to not leave it unattended in my vehicle in the parking lot.”
“In retrospect, I should not have done this.”
Harrison went on to apologize for his “lapse in judgement” and for not advising Premier Scott Moe of this instance immediately after Weeke’s statements.
In recent interviews, Moe had called the allegations “unequivocally false.”
Harrison remains as minister of Trade & Export Development.
Opposition leader Carla Beck called out Moe for saying the allegations were false.
“It’s now clear that Premier Moe lied to the people of Saskatchewan,” Beck said Friday. “Either that or his minister lied to the people of Saskatchewan. And if that’s the case, that minister needs to be booted from caucus.”
“After 17 years, this this government cannot be trusted to do the right thing and to hold themselves accountable.”
She went on to say the actions of Harrison and the government are disappointing to see. Beck said it isn’t enough that Harrison stepped down as House Leader but should be removed from caucus all together.
“We can disagree about policy and disagree about a lot of things but the need for elected officials to be honest is a value held by everyone… Harrison’s actions show a shocking lack of judgement,” Beck said. “I think most people don’t need to be told that it’s not a good idea to bring a gun into the legislature.”