Opposition House Leader David Brazil is still fuming over Independent member Perry Trimper’s move to block the passage of amendments allow some pensions to be unlocked to alleviate hardship.
Trimper, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, argued that he wanted time to raise a question about flooding at Mud Lake, forcing a second day of sitting in the Legislature today.
Brazil says all parties agreed that Independent members would have opportunities to ask questions on Wednesdays, but last week’s session was a Thursday.
He calls Trimper’s move petty and says there may be 50 to 60 questions to be asked, but only 15-20 get asked in the House, while the others are asked of a minister privately and the answers are usually provided.
Brazil says Trimper is a former minister of environment and knows well the processes involved in the questions he wants to be raised.
Brazil, a PC member, says it’s his understanding that Minister Derek Bennett has explained what’s been happening to Trimper and conversations are ongoing with the residents of Mud Lake. Brazil calls it political posturing at the expense of people who need access to those pension funds.
The House sits again today starting at 1:30.