WINNIPEG -- A Manitoba judge plans to decide by March whether to overturn a law that forbids provincial politicians from switching party caucuses.
Court of Queen's Bench Justice Sheldon Lanchbery reserved his decision today in a lawsuit brought forward by Steven Fletcher.
Fletcher was kicked out of the governing Progressive Conservative caucus last summer after criticizing the government's plans to establish a Crown agency to promote energy efficiency.
Under a provincial law, Fletcher must sit as an Independent until the next election and cannot join another party's caucus in the legislature.
Fletcher says the ban violates his constitutional rights to free expression and association.
A lawyer for the province told court Fletcher's rights have not been violated because he can still vote and ask questions in the legislature.
Michael Conner also argued the legislature has the authority to set its own rules for internal matters, without interference from the court.
The Tory government has said it will eliminate the ban on floor-crossing, but there is no guarantee when that change will be made.
