Sask Rivers MLA Nadine Wilson was among the speakers Wednesday, during a COVID related protest at the legislative building. (YouTube)

By Nigel Maxwell

Provincial politics

Sask. Rivers MLA promises to carry on, despite alleged exposure to bullying and coercion

Oct 28, 2021 | 5:00 PM

This legislative session represents Nadine Wilson’s first as an independent member of the legislative assembly (MLA), and within the first two days she has made her voice heard.

On Thursday, the Official Opposition NDP moved an amendment to require proof of vaccination for MLAs to enter the Chamber, with the exception of proof of medical exemption. Wilson was among those seen standing and while initially believed to be voting in favour of the motion, later told reporters that was not the case.

“I was standing up, trying to make a point of order about coercion and bullying tactics that I have been experiencing [in the assembly],” she said.

When asked to elaborate, Wilson said there were members of the assembly, discussing whether she should be there or not. She defended her position by saying she was elected by the people, for the people.

“And I think diversity in the chamber is a very healthy and robust conversation.”

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At the time of Wilson’s resignation last month from the Sask. Party caucus, Premier Scott Moe explained he accepted Wilson’s resignation as a result of her “misrepresenting her vaccination status.” Wilson in turn explained she could no longer support the direction of the Saskatchewan Party government or follow them with true conviction regarding the current health situation.

On Thursday, Wilson explained she chose to resign out of respect for the institution, adding she has friends on both sides of the chamber and thought it would be hard for them to vote on a non-confidence motion.

“It’s just easier if I step down and keep the assembly going,” she said.

Wilson was also asked by reporters what her plans were for the future and whether she had considered aligning with a different party. While confirming she had received offers, Wilson was tight lipped on any further details.

“At this point everything is on the table. I would like to see Saskatchewan be free and a great democracy with the ability to live and work and play without papers,” she said.

Wilson also explained since becoming an independent, her office has never been busier, and cited taking a number of calls daily from people who have lost jobs, parents who have pulled their kids out of school, and Crown employees who have reservation about what they called an experimental drug.

“These are people with real concerns and its not about the vaccinations anymore, it’s about the control that has taken over our lives, or the lack of control that they have,” Wilson said.

Wilson was also once again questioned about her vaccination status, to which she said she would not disclose but added she does have empathy for members of the public who are feeling fear and anxiety.

“You’ll have to ask the security guards how I get in [to the legislative building],” she told reporters.

On Wednesday, Wilson made her voice heard as one of the speakers at a rally outside the legislative. building. Over 100 people lined the edges of a cordoned-off area with signs and chants against the COVID-19 vaccine and public health orders. Wilson told the crowd everyone in government had entered the pandemic with great intentions, but had somehow lost their way.

“I think with the power of the people, they will find their way and we can forgive them and we continue to have a future for our children,” she said.

NDP on motions

In addition to the proof of vaccination amendment, the NDP also put forward a motion to force an emergency debate on the COVID-19 crisis. Both were voted down by the Saskatchewan Party.

According to a press release from the NDP, the motions represented an opportunity for elected members to show universal support for vaccinations and to lead the province by example.

“This is a government that continues to put politics above the health and safety of Saskatchewan people. They refuse to acknowledge the crisis of their making and the challenges thousands of people in our province are facing with cancelled surgeries, cancelled transplants, and cancelled therapies,” Opposition House Leader Vicki Mowat, said in a statement. “This Premier and his government have failed to provide leadership during this pandemic and we need an immediate plan of action to address the current crisis faced in our healthcare system.”

As Members of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, Mowat explained they must hold themselves to a higher standard.

“At every opportunity, the Premier and his Health Ministers have sent mixed messages around the importance of vaccines, and today was another missed opportunity,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell