Former deputy premier returns to Sask. Legislature
Stefani Langenegger | CBC News | Posted: October 19, 2016 11:43 PM | Last Updated: October 19, 2016
Don McMorris sits as an Independent MLA on government side
The former deputy premier of Saskatchewan made a formal apology in the legislative assembly on his first day back after pleading guilty to driving with a blood alcohol content of over 0.08 per cent.
McMorris says he wanted a chance to apologize to his legislative colleagues in person.
He says his first day back in the building he's spent nearly two decades working in was "different".
After years on the front benches as a cabinet minister and deputy premier, McMorris's new desk is tucked in the corner at the back on the government side of the assembly.
He is technically an Independent MLA, having stepped down as a cabinet minister and from the government caucus after he was charged, but McMorris asked to sit on the government side of the assembly.
Sits on government side of assembly
He says the Opposition accommodated his request, in return for his agreeing not to ask any questions during Question Period.
"It's a little different seating position," McMorris told reporters after Question Period. "A little different to be sitting in there knowing that you're not going to have to answer questions."
However, McMorris says his new role may also bring with it new opportunities.
"Certainly as I experience the new reality that I have of, first of all — here right now— not driving, but eventually getting an interlock in the vehicle and how that works, I think I'll have a better understanding," McMorris said.
He says he may be able to use his personal experience to suggest new ideas to curb impaired driving in the future.