Wildrose attack on Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne draws apology

TheWildrosepartyissued anapology Friday on behalf offinance critic DerekFildebrandt, who was underfire fromvarious parties for ridiculingOntario Premier Kathleen Wynne during a visit to the Alberta legislature.

Wildrosehouse leader Nathan Cooper said it was a mistake to insult Wynnewhile she was a guest at the legislature Thursday.

But the Wildrosestands by comments made by Fildebrandt lambasting Ontario's financial recordwhile suggesting Wynne is leader of a failed, debt-ridden province.

Cooper said WildroseLeaderBrian Jeansigned off on the Fildebrandt comments but the party was notexpectingWynneto be in the gallery when they were stated.

"The questions that we asked were fair, but certainly a moreappropriate time could have been found, particularly when a visitingdignitary was not in the gallery," Cooper saidFriday."We didn't have a respectful tone yesterday. We express regretfor how things unfolded."

Cooper said theWildrosenever wanted to embarrass the premier.

Out of character for the province

But other Alberta politicians slammed the treatment of Wynne by the Wildrose, suggesting the ridiculing during a guest appearance was out of character for the province.

"There is just not a level ofmaturitythere that I thinkAlbertansexpect to see in theirofficial Opposition," said Brian Mason, house leader for the governing NDP."If that's how they're going to approach things, we'll become isolated very quickly in this countryand won't be able to achieve our objectives, including getting a pipeline to tidewater."

On Thursday, Mason had immediately responded toFildebrandts comments by saying: "You're so tacky."

Wynne, whosat silently in the legislature gallery as Fildebrandt hurled the insults, was in Edmonton to meet with Alberta Premier Rachel Notleyto discuss climate change and other initiatives.

As she looked on, Fildebrandtdemanded to know why Wynne, a Liberal, was invited while right-centrist neighbouring Premier Brad Wall of Saskatchewan was not.

"Invite Premier Wall here! Invite Premier Wall," Fildebrandtshouted atNotley duringquestion period.

"Currently Ontario has the largestsubnationalsovereign debt on the planet,"Fildebrandttold the assembly."They're now even receiving equalization payments. It's an example of what happens when a government fails to get its spending under control."

Notleyat the timeresponded by saying the actions demonstrated why theWildrose"are simply not ready" to govern.

"In the past, when Alberta has actually been able to play aleadership role in the country, they have done so by being grown-ups," she said.

Brian Mason calls Wildrose actions 'rude'

8 years ago

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Brian Mason says "I think most Albertans feel a little embarrassed by this," when questioned about shouting by the Wildrose party in the legislature Thursday.

'Shocked and saddened'

On Friday, Alberta Liberal Leader David Swannreleased a statement saying he was "shocked and saddened" by Wynne's treatment.

"I have spent yesterday afternoon and evening in a state of disbelief at the reception" of Wynne, said Swannin a statement.

Swannsuggestedthere may be a fair bit of hypocrisy in the Wildroseactions.

"I can only imagine the response of theWildroseshould any Albertan premier receive similar treatment in any of Canada's legislative assemblies," hesaid.

Greg Clark, leader of the Alberta Party, said on social media that it's "common courtesy to extend a warm welcome to your guests."

Added Clark: "That's what we do in Alberta."

'Childish andpetulant'

Even one prominent politicianoutside of provincial politics weighed in.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi called Fildebrandt's actions "childish and petulant" and apologized for the way she was treated.

"I was quite shocked to see the so-called shadow finance minister, who has yet to reveal any shadow budget or really any ideas whatsoever about the province, treat a guest in that manner and I did apologize," said Nenshi.

Wynne was in Calgary Friday meeting with the mayor and business leaders.

On TwitterMason thanked Nenshi for treatingWynne"with some old fashioned Alberta hospitality."