Tag: Robyn Luff

The statement came after Notley was questioned about allegations made by former NDP backbencher Robyn Luff. Luff was kicked out of caucus this week after she announced she was boycotting the legislature to protest what she called heavy-handed control of backbench legislature members by senior officials in Notley’s caucus and government. “Are there any allegations or incidents of inappropriate behaviour towards women among your MLAs or among the Alberta NDP?” Notley was asked. “Not that I’m aware of,” she replied. “And, more importantly, we have a policy in our caucus around sexual harassment, both in terms of how to respond to concerns that are raised, as well as speaking often and having a code of conduct with respect to both our MLAs and our staff around these issues.” Oates later said Notley believed the reporter’s question related to inappropriate conduct strictly within and among NDP caucus and staff. Notley dismissed other allegations made by Luff, a first-term legislature member for Calgary East, who said the gag order prevented backbenchers from representing their constituents. Luff’s wishes don’t mesh with the concept that politicians need to work together to get things done, Notley said. “We understand that that member (Luff) is not a fan of the parliamentary system and would like to have complete independence in all that she does, but that’s not the way the system works,” said Notley. Luff is the second member to break ranks with the governing caucus. Last year, Calgary backbencher Karen McPherson crossed the floor and now sits with the Alberta Party.