Alberta NDP criticized for endorsing Bob Wanner as Speaker

Alberta opposition parties are criticizing the new NDP government for endorsing MLA-elect Bob Wanner as their choice for Speaker of the legislative assembly.

On the weekend, Wanner told the Medicine Hat News that Premier Rachel Notley and the NDP caucus had thrown their support behind him in the June 11 vote to replace current Speaker Gene Zwozdesky.

"I'm really quite humbled by the support from Rachel and the caucus," he told the newspaper. "It's an incredible honour to receive this endorsement from my colleagues and the premier."

However, opposition parties cried foul over Wanner's statements which included a comment that taking the position wouldn't compromise his ability to represent Medicine Hat as it would give him "direct access to to the premier and ministers."

Wildrose House Leader Nathan Cooper said the NDP was politicizing what is supposed to be a non-partisan role. He says a party endorsement affects the neutrality of the secret ballot system.

"The Speaker ought to be as impartial as possible and receiving a public endorsement certainly brings question to his or her ability to be impartial when it comes to ruling against the government," he said.

Interim Progressive Conservative Leader Ric McIver also lamented the NDP endorsement of Wanner and called on Notley to take action.

"I call on the new premier to correct this serious breach by disqualifying the MLA claiming to have already won and by holding a free vote in the house," he said in a written statement.

Zwozdesky lost his Edmonton-Mill Creek seat in the provincial election. He continues as Speaker until a replacement is chosen.