Tories want to allow MLAs to appear virtually at Province House at their discretion
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NDP Leader Claudia Chender agreed, and took particular issue with a portion of the resolution that would allow quorum to be counted virtually, with only the Speaker or deputy speaker being required to be physically present in the chamber.
Although MacMaster said members wishing to appear virtually would have to "give good cause to the Speaker," Chender said there is no ability for the Speaker to deny their request.
"The Speaker doesn't have discretion," she said. "He can't say, 'No, you're not sick.'"
The resolution is expected to return for debate next week. It would require two-thirds support from the chamber to pass, meaning the Tories would need to convince some members of the Liberals or NDP to support the rule changes.
COVID led to hybrid sittings
Churchill said his caucus will not support the effort.
MacMaster said the motion was put forward in good faith and they're hoping for collaboration, but Chender isn't convinced.
"We received this at 10:30 last night," she said.
Although her caucus supports making the legislature more accessible and reflective of a modern workplace, it needs to happen through fair collaboration, she said.
"But having a very exhaustive and extensive and — in our opinion — overreaching motion with no consultation rammed down our throats is not the way to do it."
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