Kinew questions Khan’s absence a day after Speaker’s scolding

Tory Leader Obby Khan was absent from question period a day after being rebuked by legislature Speaker Tom Lindsey for comments he made toward Manitoba’s non-binary deputy premier.

The New Democrats went on the offensive Wednesday.

Premier Wab Kinew brought up the Progressive Conservatives’ nomination package for candidates, saying nominees must have honesty and integrity.

“Is that why the leader of the PCs isn’t here today?” Kinew asked.

Lindsey said in the chamber Tuesday Khan had made a dehumanizing comment to Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara during question period on March 17. He listened to a recording and determined Khan said “you are a terrible person, whatever you are.”

The remarks, however, didn’t constitute a threat that violated parliamentary rules, which the New Democrats had argued.

Khan defended himself after Lindsey’s decision, insisting the clip was out of context. The comment came during a period of raucous heckling.

“I did not make any statements intended to target or demean the minister or anyone else based on their background, identity or role,” Khan told reporters Tuesday.

“I did say, ‘Whatever you are saying, say it outside.’”

After Lindsey ruled Khan said something “hateful” against Asagwara, “(Khan) still tried to insist that it didn’t happen,” Kinew said Wednesday during question period.

“You cannot believe a single word that their leader says,” he added.

Khan had meetings with stakeholders during the afternoon sitting, Opposition deputy leader Jeff Bereza later told reporters.

“I’m not sure which stakeholders he’s meeting with,” Bereza said. “I don’t share mine with him when I’m meeting constituents or stakeholders.”

Bereza said he learned Khan would be away Wednesday late Tuesday afternoon. He couldn’t confirm whether Khan would be present at Thursday’s question period.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com