Alberta house leader Jason Nixon accused of trying to intimidate opponent in chamber
CTV
Alberta government house leader Jason Nixon is facing accusations of intimidation following a fiery exchange in the house that saw him lob a swear word toward the Speaker.
Alberta government house leader Jason Nixon is facing accusations of intimidation following a fiery exchange in the house that saw him lob a swear word toward the Speaker.
Independent legislature member Todd Loewen asked Speaker Nathan Cooper on Wednesday to sanction Nixon, saying Nixon tried to intimidate him from pursuing his work - a fundamental breach of his rights as a parliamentarian.
“This legislature is not a one-man show and, no, it doesn't revolve around a small group of people that feel it is their personal playground that they can manipulate,” Loewen told Cooper in the legislature chamber.
The exchange happened three weeks ago, when Loewen was introducing documents for the legislature record and, while doing so, publicly accused Nixon of making false statements about him.
That caused Nixon to shout back and, when Cooper intervened, Nixon directed a profane word so loudly in Cooper's direction that it was captured on the written parliamentary record.
Nixon then told the house he may change the rules to prevent or put limits on the tabling of documents, which Loewen said is grounds for intimidation.
“This has affected myself and all members who now worry about tabling documents in case the house leader finds further personal offence and does in fact bring forward changes stopping this important part of members' business,” said Loewen.
