Ousted Manitoba politician has yet to ask questions

WINNIPEG – A Manitoba politician who was kicked out of the government caucus is still awaiting word on when she might be able to take part in question period.

Christine Melnick was turfed from the NDP caucus last month after she spoke out against Premier Greg Selinger and accused his staff of being behind a controversial immigration debate.

Melnick now sits in the legislature as an Independent and has yet to ask a question of her former colleagues.

Government house leader Andrew Swan said negotiations are on-going, but for now, there are some ad-hoc arrangements being made.

Melnick was recently allowed to speak to a resolution on the situation in Ukraine, and has been given the green light to make two members’ statements in the coming weeks.

Progressive Conservative house leader Kelvin Goertzen said he wouldn’t mind Melnick getting time in question period, but only if it comes from the government’s allotment, not the Tories’.

The PCs get six or more series of questions a day in question period, while government backbenchers get one.

“I don’t know, exactly, how Ms. Melnick will be operating as an Independent, but I’m not convinced she’s going to be a true member of the opposition.”

Melnick has said she is a longtime New Democrat and will continue to vote with the government.