The legislative chamber in Alberta’s Legislature is like a refrigerator — owned by Albertans — filled with diverse foods reflecting varied tastes and preferences. On the UCP shelf, there’s day-old white bread, yellow mustard, Coors Light, smoked ham, and a few slices of baloney. On the NDP shelf — meat-free — soggy tofu sits with kimchi, flat kombucha, and quinoa salad. Veteran UCP MLA Ric McIver moved Tuesday from the government benches to the speaker’s chair, after MLA Nathan Cooper’s resignation. It’s a critical role requiring experience, dignity, and impartiality — which McIver has in abundance. Though still a UCP member, he is no longer on the party’s shelf.He’s now the refrigerator’s thermostat, tasked with setting the temperature. It’s no easy job when foods spoil at different times for different reasons — as seen with former UCP cabinet minister MLA Peter Guthrie on Tuesday.Guthrie now sits as an independent beside the NDP after a dust-up over the so-called “CorruptCare” scandal. He took the high road, but has become an expired bottle of milk — bitter.During question period Tuesday, he blew his lid, stinking up the chamber by targeting Premier Danielle Smith’s husband, David Moretta. Guthrie suggested a conflict of interest, asking if Moretta had ever been a registered lobbyist involved in an Alberta rail conversation.Tempers flared, testing McIver on his first day as speaker.“I am tired of the rumours, innuendo and slander against my family,” said Smith in response to Guthrie, using the word “slander.”“My husband owns a restaurant. He has never, ever, been registered as a lobbyist.”.Government House Leader MLA Joseph Schow rose in Smith’s defence.“Mister Speaker, I’m actually at a bit of a loss over this,” he said, calling for an apology. “I find the nature of that question absolutely repugnant and disgusting.”McIver intervened, cautioning Guthrie, “I will say, honourable member, you need to ask questions about government policy, and do be cautious.”Guthrie refused to apologize, earning another warning from McIver.“I was invited to attend a meeting with David Moretta about (Banff) rail,” said Guthrie. “And given I declined the request because I had concerns about the appropriateness of such a meeting.”The dispute ended with Schow telling Guthrie, “I would also challenge that member to take this line of questioning outside of the chamber.”Guthrie was right to ask questions — it’s his prerogative. He has integrity and guts. But it’s sour grapes — and milk — at this point.Even if he’s correct about Moretta, Alberta’s challenges dwarf any alleged rail-talk involvement. It’s not cocaine and pole dancing.Alberta’s biggest problem is Prime Minister Mark Carney and his new cabinet, poised to unplug the refrigerator. It’s no joke. All sides of the house must get their act together.
