No evidence to support claim that health minister accused NDP spokesperson of paying nurses to quit: Speaker

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Manitoba’s Speaker of the Legislative Assembly decided she could find no evidence to support an allegation that the province’s health minister accused an opposition critic of paying nurses to quit their jobs.

The allegation arose last month after the resignation of several nurses from the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, or SANE, program at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre.

Uzoma Asagwara, the Opposition Health Critic, claimed in a tweet last month that during a debate in the Legislative Assembly on the issue, Progressive Conservative Health Minister Audrey Gordon , accused them of paying nurses to quit so the NDP could win a political victory.

The Union Station MP, who uses the pronouns them/them, raised the allegation again during Question Period earlier this month, calling the allegation ‘outrageous’ and a blatant breach of procedure and practices of the legislature.

“Specifically, the minister said ‘How much did you pay the nurses to quit?'” they told the Legislative Assembly on April 3, calling for an investigation into the charge.

In her decision announced Wednesday, Manitoba Speaker Myrna Driedger said she could find no fault because Hansard, the written record of what was said in the Legislative Assembly, does not include the comment Gordon was accused of making.

But Driedger noted that Gordon was accused of making the statement while heckling during the debate, which does not appear in the transcripts.

“That does not mean that the words were not said. However, if the words do not appear in Hansard, the Speaker really has no opportunity to comment on the language used,” he said. she stated.

Gordon does not deny making a statement

After Question Period on Wednesday, Ms. Gordon told reporters that her focus was on the needs of Manitobans rather than “smear campaigns.”

When repeatedly asked by reporters to clarify whether or not she made the statement claimed by Asagwara, Gordon did not specifically deny the allegation, but pointed to the transcripts.

“What I’m saying is that Hansard is the official record of the discussions that take place in the chamber, and Hansard shows that I didn’t speak that morning,” she said.

“The Speaker has rendered a ruling based on the question of privilege that was raised. I respect the Speaker and I respect the ruling.”

Asagwara said they also respect Driedger’s decision, but were unimpressed with Gordon’s response.

“I think it’s pretty obvious that the minister actually made these incredibly offensive and false accusations against me,” Asagwara told reporters after question period, saying several people had heard Gordon make the accusation.

“The minister did not deny making that statement, she simply used House procedures to try to shield herself from liability.”

“The minister has not denied making this statement,” NDP health spokesman Uzoma Asagwara said Wednesday after the president’s decision. (Radio Canada)

Asagwara said their biggest concern over the alleged comment was “how can a health minister stay in her post when she makes these kinds of accusations against nurses in our province.”

Although she didn’t admit to making the comment, Gordon said the incident is a reminder that members of the legislature must lead by example to the public.

“There’s a lot going on during the heckling, it’s just a reminder to us that Manitobans are watching.”

Driedger’s decision also reflected this sentiment.

“I challenge all of us to do better when it comes to respectfully disagreeing, and that would mean being careful not to make allegations. [and]assigning motives during heckling,” she said.

The Speaker also mentioned that the upcoming provincial election has resulted in an increase in charges brought by Members of the Legislative Assembly.

“I am well aware that a provincial general election is due in October, and perhaps because of that fact, the rhetoric and accusations from both sides of the House have intensified.”

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