Liberal MLA Jon Gerrard booted from legislative chamber after refusing to apologize for outburst

A Manitoba Liberal MLA was kicked out of the legislative chamber on Thursday afternoon when he refused to apologize for an outburst over the government's treatment of senior citizens.

Speaker Myrna Driedger asked three separate times forRiver Heights MLA Jon Gerrardto apologize. But each time he stood up, addressed the Speaker and refused to back down.

The veteran MLA was later asked to leave the chamber for the restof the day. HisLiberal colleagues party leader Dougald Lamont and Tyndall Park MLA Cindy Lamoureux followed him out in protest.

That followed an accusation from Gerrard that thegovernment is not doing enough to ensure quality care for residents in personal care homes.

"I've heard from relatives of personal care home residents that they were told over and over again that their loved ones just came here to die. Relatives are regularly angry, frustrated, disappointed and shocked at the care their loved ones now receive in personal care homes, in too many places in Manitoba,"Gerrardsaid during question period.

Watch as Jon Gerrard is ejectedfrom the chamber:

'I will not apologize'

5 years ago

Duration 4:42

Speaker Myrna Driedger ejects Liberal MLA Jon Gerrard from the chamber after he repeatedly refuses to apologize for an outburst directed at Health Minister Cameron Friesen.

"Does the ministerbelieve that personal care homes are just places for seniors to die, or is this governmentwilling to invest to make sure that residents have the best possible quality oflife in their last few days, months and years?"

Health Minister Cameron Friesen responded that the "member's style is regrettable" and said Gerrard's comments were insulting to people who work hard every day at personal care homes.

"That member should apologize," Friesensaid, ashisProgressive Conservative colleagues applauded.

Once the cheers let up,Gerrardlashed out.

"You're the one who should apologize," he shouted, pointing his finger at Friesen. A hush soon fell over the chamber.

Driedger said Gerrard'soutburst was "rude" and "inappropriate," and she offered him three opportunities to withdraw his comments.

On herfirst request, Gerrard stood up and crossed his arms.

"Madam Speaker, I will not apologize after what the minister said."

Won't back down: Gerrard

After walking out of the chamber with his two other Liberal colleagues, Gerrard, who has never been ejected in his 20-year legislative career, said he will always stand up forsenior citizens.

"People who have built our province need to be looked after well when they are in a personal care home. They should not be left there to die," he told reporters.

"The minister may have trouble facing the reality of what's happening, but it's time that he knew better."

Friesensaid he couldn't speak to the specific allegation about personal care homes, which Gerrard was raising on behalf of a resident. He told reporters afterquestion periodthat Manitoba's personal care homesare fully staffed, with nurses, health-care aides and other professionals providing the best carethey can.

Insult to workers: Friesen

Friesen said that Gerrard's comments about inadequate care were offensive to the staff.

"He had chosen to personally insult and call out all of the people who provide care and work in personal care homes across Manitoba. That was regrettable," Friesen said.

"It was my opinion that the member was reflecting on their work, on their professionalism, on thelevel of care," he said.

Dolores Minkus-Hofleywas watchingquestion period from the gallery, at the invitation of the Liberals.Her husband has been living in a personal care home and says its staffare overwhelmed looking after 21 residents.

"It's not becausethe staff aren't doingthe best they can, but becausethey have been given a job that isway beyond their training," said Minkus-Hofley, who declined to name the facility because she believes the problem isn't the fault of staff.

She arguedseniors are being shuffled into personal care homes when they should be in a hospital.

Gerrard'saccusation comes only hours after Friesen was in Steinbach for a sod-turning ceremony for a new 143-bed personal care home, opening in 2021.

It is part of a provincial commitment to build 1,200 personal care home beds in Manitoba by 2025.