‘A number of events’ prompt Alberta to explore possible code of conduct for MLAs

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The Alberta government is considering drafting a code of conduct for MLAs following a number of incidents between members that have drawn the attention of the assembly’s Speaker.

On Monday morning, the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services agreed to create a new subcommittee to examine potentially creating a code of conduct, something Speaker Nathan Cooper has said is something many parliaments across Canada have, though Alberta does not.

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“I am of the opinion that our assembly would be well-served by discussing the possibility of a member to member workplace interaction policy,” Cooper said Monday.

“This follow a number of events that have transpired in and around the assembly.”

The committee members agreed that the new Workplace Policy Review Subcommittee would also be chaired by Cooper and would include two members nominated by each of the government and Opposition. Nominations for those roles are due at the end of the month.

The plan drew support from members of both parties with Opposition house leader Christina Gray, saying, “it’s a good next step to have this important conversation.”

Cooper hailed the cross-party co-operation.

“I know that on occasion, people outside of this place make the accusation that you guys never work together on anything. And now look here today there is, I think, some widespread agreement on on such policy.”

Code of conduct previously considered

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Creating a MLA code of conduct was considered by a committee under the NDP-led government between 2015 and 2019, but Cooper noted, “those discussions were never concluded.”

In an interview with Postmedia, Cooper said decorum ebbs and flows with the political circumstances of the day.

“On occasion, it will be robust and boisterous, and on other occasions, it’ll be much more collaborative and co-operative.”

He said decorum is the responsibility of MLAs who are coincidentally operating within a parliamentary system based on conflict.

“Members are emboldened to use their words strongly,” he said. “We are a unique workplace in that we’re battling for the future of the province.”

Decorum issues

On March 24, Cooper proposed the committee meet to discuss adding a code of conduct in remarks he made in the assembly following an apology from Opposition MLA Rakhi Pancholi following a profanity-laced encounter with Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon after he heckled an Opposition question during question period, asking the Opposition to denounce Hamas.

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Cooper accepted Pancholi’s apology but said incidents between members are becoming too common.

“I am convinced that we must take strides to address such poor conduct as we saw here,” he said.

Last month, Cooper admonished members for what he found were “personal-type” attacks during member statements.

Also last month, he called for a meeting of government house leader Joseph Schow and Opposition house leader Gray to discuss the “ongoing deterioration of apologies” in the assembly.

Last April, New Democrat MLA Marlin Schmidt apologized after being accused of threatening a fellow MLA by approaching UCP member Jackie Lovely from behind in a lounge behind the chamber and confronting her.

In December of 2023, Gray alleged Schow said, in reference to Pancholi, “control her” and “deal with her or I will deal with her.” Schow told Postmedia he “can’t recall” what was said but that every MLA deserves to work in a safe environment.

mblack@postmedia.com

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