Progressive Conservative MLAs walked out of Province House Wednesday after their leader accused the MLA for Yarmouth of assault.
Tim Houston said the alleged incident with Zach Churchill happened Tuesday while in a phone booth in the House.
“The minister of education and early childhood development forced himself into the same booth and physically grabbed me by the shoulders while attempting to desuade me from continuing any line of questions regarding the Nova Scotia to Maine ferry service.”
“It was only after the minister for the public service commission intervened that the member for Yarmouth composed himself and retreated,” says Houston.
Churchill admits the two had a heated verbal exchange but says the alleged assault did not happen.
He says the situation began after Houston made a comment to him Tuesday about the Yarmouth ferry.
“When I entered into the chamber, the member said, ‘I’ve got you on the ropes. You might save your seat, but that ferry is going to take down your government.’ “
“I don’t take threats to the service lightly,” added Churchill.
“My community suffered through the loss of this service in a very real way; income, jobs, facilities closing down.”
Churchill said he attempted to shake hands with Houston but at no time assaulted him.
Houston called for an investigation by the internal affairs committee, but it was voted down by the Liberals.
The PC’s then left Province House in protest.
Reported by: Nick Yorston
Twitter: @NickYorston
E-mail: yorston.nick@radioabl.ca
