Premier Scott Moe has removed MLA Lyle Stewart from his Legislative Secretary duties after inviting Colin Thatcher, convicted of first degree murder in the death of his ex-wife, to the Throne Speech last Wednesday. He also issued an apology at the beginning of today’s (Mon) Legislative Assembly, saying, “To all members of this Assembly, and to all the people of Saskatchewan, I offer my unequivocal apology.”

Last week he had said he had no reason to apologize because he didn’t know Thatcher was attending, but now says although he hadn’t seen the guest list, he is ultimately responsible. Moe adds, “The message that was conveyed is not a message that is acceptable to Saskatchewan people, nor is it indicative of the direction of a government that has a duty to provide leadership on such an important issue.”

Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck says the NDP welcomes the apology, but the Premier shouldn’t have to be shamed into doing the right thing. She says, “Premier Moe’s handling of the Thatcher debacle has tarnished our province’s reputation on an international level.”

Beck calls for a commitment from the Sask Party government to provide operating funding for second-stage shelters for women fleeing domestic violence, noting that Saskatchewan has the highest rate of domestic violence among the provinces. (with files from CKRM)