Alberta opposition boycotts panel on children in care; says panel lacks teeth
EDMONTON — An Alberta legislature panel looking at ways to keep children safe in government care has morphed into a standoff between parties on both sides of the aisle.
Leaders of the four opposition parties said Tuesday they will boycott the panel unless Premier Rachel Notley’s government gives it the tools to get at the root of the problem.
They also said the minister in charge, Irfan Sabir, needs to excuse himself from the panel because some recent problems are tied to him.
“Essentially the minister is on trial here and he’s part of the judge and jury the way the government has designed (the panel),” said Progressive Conservative interim leader Ric McIver.