Harrison resigns as house leader for not telling premier he brought hunting rifle into Sask. legislature

Jeremy Harrison has resigned as Saskatchewan Government House Leader for not telling Premier Scott Moe about bringing a hunting rifle into the legislature in the past.

Last week, Speaker Randy Weekes accused Harrison of bringing a hunting rifle into the building and seeking permission to bring a handgun in as well.

On Friday, Harrison released the following statement:

"On May 16, the Speaker made a number of allegations about my use of firearms. I have never had a firearm in the legislative chamber or anywhere in the legislative building during the period that MLA Weekes has been Speaker," Harrison said.

"Approximately a decade ago, I was going hunting on a weekend. I stopped at the Legislative Building for a short period of time and brought a properly cased long gun into the building with the knowledge of security officials so as to not leave it unattended in my vehicle in the parking lot. In retrospect, I should not have done this."

Last Friday, Premier Scott Moe told reporters Harrison told him the allegations made by the Speaker were "unequivocally false."

Moe said he had confidence in Harrison to continue in his role and called him the best house leader in the country.

On Friday, Harrison resigned from that position.

"I apologize for this lapse in judgment and for not advising the Premier of this one occasion immediately following the Speaker's statement. I have offered and the Premier has accepted my resignation as Government House Leader," Harrison said.

Harrison will remain in cabinet as the Minister of Trade and Export Development.

Last week, Weekes said in his speech, "(Harrison's) desire to get permission to carry a handgun in the Legislative Assembly is particularly disturbing. Another incident reported by a former special constable was when the Government House Leader [flouted] the rules concerning weapons when he brought a hunting rifle into the Legislative Building," Weekes said in his speech.

Harrison did not address the allegation of whether he sought permission to bring a handgun into the legislative assembly. Weekes also accused Harrison and government members and staff of bullying and harassment.

On Thursday, the Opposition ethics and democracy critic Meara Conway sent letters to the chief firearms officer and security officials at the legislature asking questions about Harrison and firearms.

Conway said an investigation was warranted.

She said the allegations were serious and that Moe should not take Harrison's "word for it."

"People have resigned for far less," Conway said.