Opposition asks security, firearms officials about gun allegations made by Sask. Speaker

The Opposition NDP has sent letters to three different entities seeking answers to allegations about guns made by the Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly.

Last week, Speaker Randy Weekes claimed during a speech that Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison brought a firearm into the legislative building at some point in the past and wanted to carry a handgun in the building.

"His desire to get permission to carry a handgun in the Legislative Assembly is particularly disturbing. Another incident reported by a former special constable was when the Government House Leader [flouted] the rules concerning weapons when he brought a hunting rifle into the Legislative Building," Weekes said in his speech.

Weekes did not elaborate when asked by reporters during an interview following proceedings.

On Thursday, NDP critic for ethics and democracy Meara Conway shared three letters she wrote seeking answers.

Conway wrote to the province's chief firearms officer, the sergeant-at-arms and the Legislative District security unit (LDSU).

"The allegation is that Mr. Moe's House leader and essentially his lieutenant, his right-hand man, brought a gun into the legislature, brought a gun into our workplace," Conway said.

Conway said an investigation is in order but did not formally request one.

"We think that it should be neutral. Today, our focus is on getting the answers to these questions from these three different parties that we think are positioned to answer those questions."

Conway has asked Chief Firearms Officer Robert Freberg whether Harrison had requested authorization to carry a handgun, whether it was granted, and the reasons given for granting it if that were the case.

She asked the Sgt.-at-Arms Lyall Frederiksen and the LDSU whether Harrison requested permission to carry a handgun into the legislative assembly, whether it was granted, and whether they had any knowledge of Harrison bringing a handgun into the assembly. 

Finally, whether Frederiksen's office or the LDSU had any record of Harrison bringing a long gun into the assembly.

Since the passing of Bill 70 in 2022, the security of the legislative building and surrounding area has been the responsibility of the LDSU. Frederiksen is now only responsible for security within the chamber.

'Unequivically false'

Last week, Moe told reporters he had spoken with Harrison who told him allegations regarding guns were "unequivocally false."

Conway was unsatisfied with the premier's response.

"That's not good enough. I'm sorry, I work here, you work here," Conway told reporters at the legislature Thursday.

"The allegation is that a gun was brought in here. The same person who was the architect of taking the security of this building outside away from a neutral body. He was the architect of insisting that security answer to his government. No, that is not good enough for the premier to just say this isn't the case."

Conway said Harrison should address the allegations.

CBC reached out to the government on Thursday to ask whether Harrison was available to comment on the NDP's announcement.

A government spokesperson provided the following statement: "We understand a member of the Opposition has written to several officials requesting that they look into the allegations about Minister Harrison made by the Speaker," the statement said. "All of these officials will make their own decision whether to look into these matters and members of the government will co-operate as required."

Moe 'bewildered' by allegations

Speaking with reporters at an event south of Saskatoon on Thursday, Moe was asked whether the allegations made by Weekes warrant an investigation.

"I would just say [I'm] a little bit bewildered with how these allegations came to light," Moe said.

Moe said Weekes had avenues as an MLA to file a complaint: "We have a process of whether it be harassment or anything that can be followed if it's reported."

He said Weekes could have spoken to the sergeant-at-arms or the LDSU but  said he is not sure that happened.

"If there is an investigation that should occur, I'd be one of those entities. I suppose that if it was reported to them, it wouldn't be myself or someone else that would investigate allegations of this nature," Moe said.