TROY: Speaking to The Reporter from his home last Thursday morning, Inverness MLA Allan MacMaster said his new appointment as Official Opposition House Leader is a challenge to which he’s looking forward.
“I’ve been elected now for almost 10 years, and it’s good to keep things changing,” he said. “It’s like anyone else going to work, you want to be constantly growing and challenged. It makes going to work more fun.
“Whenever you have the opportunity to expand your role, you want to make the most of it.”
MacMaster said the main duties of the position are to negotiate with the government any bills and legislation the opposition is putting forward. With that, he’ll have to appeal to the Speaker of the House when the opposition feels government does something unfair or abuses its power.
Attempting to get a majority to pass opposition bills, he said, is a tough chore, but he noted he’s ready to put the effort in. In the past, MacMaster brought forward bills that were rejected but which, he said, ended up passed as government bills.
“I’ve had three incidences where I’ve introduced bills that were refused but the government eventually brought in the same bill themselves,” he said. “One was for NewPage pensioners, one was for farmers donating to food banks, and one was to change the limitation of actions act for survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Good bills can come from the opposition, and I think government should be passing them.”
In a release from the Progressive Conservative Party, newly minted leader Tim Houston was confident in MacMaster’s ability to serve as Opposition House Leader.
“Allan will bring a calm, logical and steadfast approach to the chamber,” said Houston. “He has my full trust and confidence that he will conduct himself in a collaborative way with the other House Leaders.”
Outgoing opposition house leader Chris d’Entremont was also complimentary of the Inverness MLA.
“I wish my colleague Allan all the best as he takes on this new responsibility and I will be there for him as back up,” he said.
When asked what specific strengths he brings to the position, MacMaster said fairness and a willingness to put partisan politics to the side are traits for which he’s known.
“I’ve always tried to be fair to people in the legislature, and I try to avoid focusing on party politics,” he said. “I’ve always tried to give the government the benefit of the doubt. I’m hopeful the government sees me as someone who wants to work with them, whenever possible.
“To be effective as house leader, you have to have the respect of the government. And I hope my style and approach to legislature has earned me some respect.”
The addition of house leader means MacMaster will have a number of duties. He already serves as the critic for three portfolios: Energy and Mines, Gaelic Affairs, and Finance and Treasury Board. He is also a part of the Standing Committee on Assembly Matters.
“I’ve worked hard in those areas over the years,” he said. “If I was starting from scratch, I might be intimidated, but having spent a lot of time in those areas of government. I’m looking forward to adding this to my responsibilities.”