A Wildrose MLA is calling for the Premier to fire the Minister of Education after comments Thomas Lukaszuk made on a conference call.
The call involved members of the Airdrie Council of Schools on Monday night.
During the call Lukaszuk was asked about a request by the school board overseeing Airdrie to get 8 portables being denied by the government and what Airdrie could do to address a shortage of space.
“You know what I’m really itching to say it, so I will, even though I know I shouldn’t,” Lukaszuk responded, “but the first thing you can do, actually, in Airdrie is to call your MLA and ask him not to oppose me in the Legislature every day on considering new ways for funding infrastructure.”
When asked later in the call to clarify whether that meant Airdrie’s ability to get new schools would be affected, Lukaszuk said no.
“You know what, not at all,” he says “I’m actually using (Airdrie) and area as a flagship every time I get asked about needing schools.”
Rob Anderson, the Wildrose MLA for the area, says that explanation doesn’t suffice.
“It’s just another piece of this culture of bullying and intimidation, but this is very serious and the Premier needs to immediately act on it and fire the Minister.”
Things heated up when Anderson stood to speak in Question Period.
“The arrogance and stupidity of this minister’s comments are breathtaking. Will you immediately fire this minister for his inappropriate and bullying comments or is this kind of conduct in line with your Alberta values?”
The Premier defended her minister.
“I think what he Minister of Education said was entirely appropriate. We’ve gotta have discussions with respect to infrastructure and if you cut the infrastructure budget you’ve gotta cut school and we won’t do that.”
It was an answer that Anderson did not agree with. “What a spineless answer Premier.. spineless answer.”
After Question Period the debate continued as both MLAs spoke to reporters…
“This is a minister that gets very personal,” says Anderson, “he takes it very personally when people disagree with him, to the point that he’s willing to threaten parents the loss of school spots if their MLA has the audacity to question the government. It’s just incredible, and it’s another example of the culture of corruption and bullying that’s going on with this government right now.”
“I try to grow a thick skin,” Lukaszuk told reporters, “and I don’t take it personally. My focus is kids, and I will be focusing on building them as many schools as possible and Airdrie will be one of the communities, no matter what their MLA does.”
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