Debates of May 27, 2004 (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on the questions asked by Ms. Lee here with respect to the statement made in the House today by Mr. Zoe, and my questions will be directed to the Premier, as well. I would like to say, also for the record, that I am not satisfied with the statement that was made in the House today. I think it was sugar coated. I think that there are a lot more things that happened. It is not just about an altercation, it is not just about the Royal Canadian Legion. This is not about the Royal Canadian Legion, and I must say I was a little taken aback by the presence of the president here in the gallery today. Certainly it is open to the public, but I don’t know what that message is supposed to be. I’m a member of the Legion, too. This is about a Minister’s conduct. I’d like to ask the Premier, has he ever specifically talked to and warned Mr. Zoe with respect to incidents of this nature taking place during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister? Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 149-15(3): Disciplinary Action For The Conduct Of Minister Zoe

Mr. Speaker, yes, I have spoken to Mr. Zoe about these kinds of incidences. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 149-15(3): Disciplinary Action For The Conduct Of Minister Zoe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So what I was hearing earlier today was that this sounds like it was an isolated incident, and Mr. Speaker, I don’t believe this is an isolated incident. I think that this is something that there has been a series of incidents around, and if the Premier, Mr. Speaker, has already warned Mr. Zoe about this, I am not quite sure I understand what the purposes of the "if it ever happens again." What is the purpose of that? Why are we waiting for another incident before we do something? It’s within the Premier’s purview to do something about this. Why isn’t he doing something about it?

Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 149-15(3): Disciplinary Action For The Conduct Of Minister Zoe

Mr. Speaker, this is the first incident where I had an official or real complaint. Other than that, I have heard of incidents that have happened about various people, including Mr. Zoe. So this is one where I have met with him. I have followed up in my responsibility to let the Members know. I have followed up with the Legion who had issued the complaint to me. I have discussed this with Members and I have talked to Mr. Zoe. I am doing another letter to Cabinet to remind them that this is not tolerable. Mr. Zoe has indicated to me that he is going to take steps to make sure that this does not happen again. I take him at his word for it. Mr. Speaker, I believe I have done what is within reason in dealing with this incident. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 149-15(3): Disciplinary Action For The Conduct Of Minister Zoe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier wanted the job as Premier. He wanted to be the leader and now it’s time to show some leadership. What is the purpose of delaying action with respect to this conduct that has been displayed by Mr. Zoe? What is the delay? Are you worried about hurting his feelings? Are you worried about embarrassing him? Are you worried that no one else can do the job? What is the purpose of a delay? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 149-15(3): Disciplinary Action For The Conduct Of Minister Zoe

Mr. Speaker, I don’t think there is any delay in anything. I acted very quickly when I became aware of this incident. I have discussed this with Members. Mr. Zoe has discussed it with Members. I have taken action that I believe is appropriate. Some Members may not agree with me, but I believe what I have done, given the circumstances as I know them, is reasonable. I believe there is nothing being delayed here, Mr. Speaker.

Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 149-15(3): Disciplinary Action For The Conduct Of Minister Zoe

Mr. Speaker, I will ask a question of the Premier. Is the Premier willing to take responsibility for the conduct of his Cabinet Ministers and remove Mr. Zoe’s portfolios from him in response to this incident which took place, which is very well known in the public? Will the Premier take action?

Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 149-15(3): Disciplinary Action For The Conduct Of Minister Zoe

Mr. Speaker, I have taken action that I believe is appropriate in this case. I will absolutely, certainly take action as I have said if there is ever any other incident that is like this. I will absolutely take action on it immediately. I can assure the House that I intend to do that, absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.