After Eddie Joyce says they can't work together, Sherry Gambin-Walsh says they can

One day after EddieJoyce said it's him or Sherry Gambin-Walsh in the Liberal caucus, Gambin-Walshsaysshe has worked well with Joyce in the past and is willing to find a way to continue to do so.

"It's very unfortunate forMHAJoyce to feel that way," Gambin-Walshsaid, referring to Joyce's comments made Wednesday on Here & Now that he would not return to a Liberal cabinet or caucus that includes Gambin-Walsh.

Eddie Joyce responds to report findings

6 years ago

Duration 7:38

The MHA speaks with CBC's Here & Now in response to findings in his behaviour

"It's hurtful that he's saying that, and it's unfortunate that he's saying that."

Gambin-Walsh said she believes a system of restorative justice is possible.

But for now, she thinks it's best to follow the suggestions of the commissioner for legislative standards, Bruce Chaulk, and let matters play out in the House of Assembly.

"I can work with anyone who's just and honest," Gambin-Walsh told reporters Thursday after question period at the House of Assembly.

She declined to clarify if she believesJoyce himself fits that description.

Gambin-Walsh'scomplaint resulted in a report finding that Joyce broke the code of conduct for elected officials by lobbying to have a friend hired for a government job.

Ball noncommittal on Joyce

Premier Dwight Ball addressed both Gambin-Walsh's and Joyce's comments after question period Thursday.

"Minister Gambin-Walsh talked about a restorative process, which is important," Ball said.

"I think all of us can learn a lesson from the comments that she's made about what the future would look like."

The premierwouldn't commit to inviting Joyce to return to the Liberal caucus, saying he wants to wait to allow the process to play out. Ballalso said his position isn't affected by Joyce's unwillingness to be in the Liberal caucus with Gambin-Walsh.

"I'm watching this very intently, very closely," he said.

"The responsibility on me right now is to make sure that Ido what Isaid Iwould do, and then once the debate is over decisions will be made by me as premier and leader of the Liberal Party."

Report should be public: Ball

Ball said he has not read the Rubin Thomlinson reports that both Joyce and MHADale Kirby want released, but would like to see themmade public at the right time.

It's also important to ensure that the privacy of those involved in their reports, as well as their families, is respected, said the premier.

The information within the reports could help make the House of Assembly more respectful, Ball said.

"We are committed, Iam committed, to improving the system," he said.

"Having that information available to us, Ithink, could lead to some of the ideas and suggestions that would lead to an improved environment within this House of Assembly."

Committee reviewing alleged breaches by Kirby, Holloway

After MHAs voted in favour of having alegislative committee look into whetherKirby breached house privilege by releasing harassment reports to the media, Kirby argued Thursday that MHA Colin Holloway should be investigated as well.

Back in August, Holloway gave CBC News copies of a harassment report conducted by Chaukinto bullying allegations Holloway had lobbied at Joyce and Kirby.

"If you're going to refer me to the committee, then it is only fair for the member who did exactly the same thing months before Ididto be referred there as well, regardless of whether or not it makes any sense to do that," said Kirby.

• Committee reviewing alleged breach by Kirby

• Kirby cleared of being Twitter troll, Joyce cleared of bullying MHA Colin Holloway

But Holloway maintainshe did nothing wrong, and said as the person who came forward with a complaint in the report, his situation is different from Kirby's.

He said he was not the first person to release the reports in August, and only discussed them publicly to defend himself.

"I was not in the same category. I was actually the person who was the complainant, and now my reputation was being trashed in the media because the reports were already in the public domain."

Ultimately, Holloway lost his argument, and after a short break, speaker PerryTrimper ruled that like Kirby, Hollowaywill also face a breach of privilege investigation.

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