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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government and a member of the Opposition NDP were locked in a standoff over questions in the legislature as it winds down business until the new year.
Smith's United Conservatives said Monday they'll no longer respond to questions from Edmonton MLA Marlin Schmidt until he publicly apologizes for a remark he made last week during question period.
Schmidt had asked Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides if he planned to "let more sexual predators off the hook" or change rules for informing parents of serious incidents at daycares. The question related to reports that a young girl had been sexually assaulted at a daycare in Schmidt's constituency, but the operator hadn't informed parents for two months.
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In September, CBC Edmonton reported that parents at the daycare in his riding were told there had been a "serious incident." Further details were only shared after months later after the parent of the complainant spoke at a town hall.
A former daycare worker was charged in July but had already left the country. The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service was not immediately able to provide updates on the case.
During question period last week, Schmidt called on the education minister to put the responsibility of informing parents on the ministry rather than leaving it with daycare operators, who Schmidt said have "every incentive to hide incidents that threaten profits rather than protect children."
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