Yesterday, the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services rose on a Point of Order in response to a statement by the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. The Minister believes the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh was out of order. She said he made allegations against her and imputed false motives. The Minister relied on Rule 3.2(3) sub-sections (h) and (i).

When deciding whether language used in this Chamber is unparliamentary, Speaker Lafferty, on June 23rd, 2017 said that the Speaker must take "...into account the tone, manner and intention of the Member speaking; the person to whom the words at issue were directed, the degree of provocation; and, most importantly, whether or not the remarks created disorder in the Chamber."

I note that I have no jurisdiction over comments made outside this House or in the media.

I reviewed the unedited transcripts from Hansard from May 30, 2022. The Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh used language that was strong, even inflammatory. Previous Speakers have decided that such language is not always a violation of the Rules of this Assembly.
however, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh did more than use strong and inflammatory language.

On page 9 of unedited Hansard, the Member said "it is not appropriate to attempt to silence, validate criticism of their portfolio by threatening the integrity of the healthcare services in the community that I represent." The Member went on to say that the Minister was "even trying to gaslight patients who received unacceptable care into believing that it was their own fault for failing to advocate for their own medical conditions."

These two comments went beyond what is appropriate debate. The Minister has a valid Point of Order.

Rule 3.2(3)(h) makes it clear that it is out of order to make an allegation against another Member. In this case, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh made two allegations against the Minister. Also, the Member's language was unparliamentary.

The Member accused the Minister of gaslighting patients. Gaslighting is a practice of psychological manipulation which is meant to make a person question their own version of events.

I note that on July 7, 2020 the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island found that an allegation of "gaslighting" was unparliamentary and out of order. I agree.

I expect Members of this House to conduct themselves appropriately. The language you use in the House should reflect this. While it is appropriate to share what constituents are saying to you, you must share those concerns in a manner that is consistent with the rules.

As I have found the Member out of order, I will now ask the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh to apologize to the House and withdraw the specific remarks found out of order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for your comments and your ruling. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I represent my community, and I've listened to a lot of people speak and the issue that's in front of us that we're talking about is near and dear to a lot of people in my constituency and at this point, Mr. Speaker -- I could talk a little bit more about the issue but at this point I am not able to apologize. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. I found your remarks out of order and will ask you again to apologize and withdraw your remarks. If you do not do this, I will be required to name you and ask you to remove yourself from the Chamber for the rest of the day. Thank you. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, again, I'm just representing my constituents, bringing their issues forward, and I will stand by my remarks. Thank you, I will not apologize.