Premier Scott Moe spoke to reporters, shedding light on the recent events that unfolded in the legislative assembly during a protest. The Premier’s comments centered on a meeting that took place on November 14th involving members of the NDP caucus and protest organizers, leading up to the unprecedented shutdown of government operations on November 20th.
Premier Moe began by expressing his concern about the lack of transparency from the opposition, questioning why they did not mention the meeting with organizers during a press conference. He emphasized the need for clarity on whether there were discussions about organizing the shutdown and the extent of the opposition’s involvement.
“The opposition caucus members should answer: Did they attend a meeting with the organizers? What were the demands of those organizers in that meeting?” Premier Moe stated, highlighting the importance of transparency in the democratic process.
Addressing the shutdown itself, Premier Moe called for an independent investigation to understand why such an event occurred, deeming it an unprecedented disruption of government operations. He emphasized the need to identify ways to prevent such incidents in the future and expressed concern about the involvement of extremist activists or self-proclaimed radicals.
The Premier also touched on the broader context of recent protests, citing the government’s stance on peaceful demonstrations. “Follow the law. And if you don’t follow the law, the consequences of the law will be bestowed upon you,” he reiterated, underscoring the importance of adhering to legal avenues for expressing dissent.
As questions shifted to other topics, Premier Moe discussed the upcoming COP 28 conference in Dubai, where Saskatchewan will showcase its contributions to global sustainability. He outlined the province’s commitment to providing sustainable food and energy security to over 150 countries while promoting environmentally conscious practices among its industries.
On a separate note, the Premier addressed concerns about government spending on hotel accommodations, particularly the $2.2 million allocated for such purposes. He clarified that a review of procurement policies was underway to ensure value for taxpayer investment and proactive support for those in need of short-term shelter.
The press conference concluded with Premier Moe urging the public to visit the legislative building while respecting recent security changes. He acknowledged the temporary nature of these adjustments and encouraged public participation in civic affairs.
In closing, Premier Moe emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in navigating the complex challenges facing the province.