'Intimidation' by Opposition alleged by P.E.I. legislature Speaker Buck Watts

The Speaker of the P.E.I. Legislature, Buck Watts, took the unusual step of asking for a review of his own conduct Tuesday. He also asked for a legislative committee to review what he characterized as "intimidation" of the Speakerby the Opposition.

Watts told the house that the Leader of the Opposition had sent a letter to the rules committee of the Legislature questioning hisimpartiality. Watts read much of the letter to the House.

• Buck Watts elected speaker of the P.E.I. Legislature

The letter, dated April 15 by Opposition Leader Jamie Fox, said Watts'impartiality could be questioned, noting his attendance at severalLiberal caucus events.

Watts said he was troubled by the letter and by media coverage of its contents.

"I take these statements very seriously, and see the letter sent to the rules committee by the Leader of the Opposition and subsequent public reflections on the impartiality of the speaker and suggestions of non-confidence to be a clear form of intimidation, and thus aprima facie breach of privilege that cannot be allowed to beadvanced unquestioned. To do so undermines the very authority of this House itself, diminishes its proceedings and brings disrepute to this honourable institution,"Watts told the legislature Tuesday afternoon.

There was no attempt to intimidate the speaker, said Fox, adding the Opposition wants a rule to prevent the Speaker from taking part in any partisan political activities.

Other jurisdictions have this rule and P.E.I. does not, Fox pointed out.

Watts asked that the matter be referred to the Standing Committee on Rules, Regulations, Private Bills and Privileges the same committee to which the Opposition sent its letter.

Watts asked that the review include,"Any suggested impropriety on my part that may reflect unfavourably on the Office of the Speaker or the well established customs and practices that attach to this office."

A motion to refer the matter raised by Watts passed.