Sask. Speaker warns MLAs over heckling in legislature

Speaker Todd Goudy halted proceedings to address heckling and name-calling during question period. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Heckling during debate has become a distraction for some in the Saskatchewan legislature.

Speaker Todd Goudy is expressing frustration. This week, he scolded MLAs on both sides of the aisle, and threatened to kick out those who continued this behaviour.

On Thursday, he specifically called out NDP MLA Meara Conway

“It needs a serious answer. Are you able to keep your comments to yourself?” he asked.

“I’ll do my best, Mr. Speaker. A lot of people talking in here today. I don’t know why you’re addressing me specifically,” Conway replied.

“Well from my seat I can hear all the voices in the place. There are a few that are outspoken,” Goudy said.

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NDP MLA Aleana Young said it’s hard to be silent.

“We’re not allowed to stand up and say those guys are lying. I can say it out here and I will say it to the people in the province. They lie day after day after day to you. Are we frustrated with that? You bet. Will we continue to be frustrated? You bet,” she said.

In a written response, the government said, “The legislature should be a place of debate, not hate. Unfortunately, the NDP does not appear to agree.”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe shared his thoughts on the matter.

“I think we should not hate the people that we disagree with. I think we should respect those differences, Mr. Speaker,” he said.

It’s a decades old battle between opposing parties in the legislature that is showing no signs of abating.