While making an announcement of a change in Advanced Education Ministers, Premier Scott Moe was asked about what the Speaker had said in the Legislature on Thursday, alleging intimidation and harassment, and in particular from Government House Leader, Jeremy Harrison, who is also the Trade and Export Development Minister. Randy Weekes also said Harrison wanted to be able to bring a handgun into the Legislature and he also brought a rifle in one day.

Moe says he asked Harrison about the allegations and was told they aren’t true. The texts are on the record, but Moe doesn’t believe the texts were out of line. The Premier says, “I view this as an individual that is sourcing many of the events prior to, when he was part of the Caucus, prior to, when he was still vying and running to be a candidate, and lost that nomination on December 14th. And now is, you know, dumping out some things that he thinks might be harmful to a party that he wasn’t successful in running with.” Moe suggests the Speaker could have brought up his concerns in a more appropriate way, other than in the House.

The Premier didn’t give a definitive answer about whether there would be an early election, but did say he looks forward to making more announcements this spring and summer before the election in the fall.

The actual announcement today (Fri), was that Gord Wyant, who won’t be running in the next provincial election, has requested the Premier appoint someone new as Advanced Education Minister and the Premier did that today (Fri) announcing Colleen Young, MLA for Lloydminster to take over the role.