The spring sitting of the Yukon legislature is in its final week, but NDP Leader Todd Hardy said he wants the session extended by at least a week to review outstanding legislation and proposed spending.

Hardy tried to seek that extension during question period Monday, but house Speaker Ted Staffen told him to sit down before he could explain his reasons.

"Sorry, Mr. Speaker, if I can't present the rationale, then I will have to sit down," Hardy said in response to Staffen's request.

Afterwards, Hardy told reporters he believes Staffen, the Yukon Party MLA for Riverdale North, shut him down just to protect the Yukon Party government from further scrutiny this session.

"It's a double standard, there's no question about it. And I think Mr. Staffen needs to explain himself," Hardy said.

"We are paid a very good salary right now ... and I think the people of this territory expect us to earn that salary."

But Premier Dennis Fentie blamed the opposition parties for the slow pace of debate in the legislature during the spring session, which began March 20.

"A lot of political grandstanding, very little product," Fentie said. "When all is said and done, when it comes to the opposition, there has been more said than done."

By the time the spring session ends Thursday, the government is expected to pass:

- Its $900-million budget.

- New liquor laws.

- A new child and family services act.

- The New Democrats' proposed smoking ban legislation.

Meanwhile, Hardy has demanded a formal apology from Staffen for Monday's exchange.

In a letter released late that afternoon, Hardy wrote he "can only hope the incident resulted from a momentary lapse of judgment," and not the government bias he accused Staffen of showing on previous rulings.

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