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Alison Redford's Absence Called Out By Thomas Lukaszuk

Barring Illness, Redford Should Return To Work: Lukaszuk
CP

Unless Alison Redford is too sick to attend work she should return to the legislature, suggests former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk.

In an interview with the Calgary Herald, the potential PC leadership candidate said he hasn't "talked to (Redford) for months now," but said, like himself and other politicians, Redford has a responsibility to do the duties taxpayers are paying her for.

“If there is a serious health situation, then I imagine my constituents would understand, but in the absence of that, there is a clear expectation that we show up to work and perform the duties that we’re elected to perform.”

As of Thursday Redford had missed 10 sittings of the legislature since she resigned her post as premier in March.

She has only resurfaced once — to hand out a government cheque in Calgary — and has occasionally posted to her Twitter account.

Redford's office notified the legislature Speaker on Wednesday that her reason for being absent is legitimate.

Her staff told the Speaker that her absence falls under rules that exempt MLAs from being docked pay if their lack of attendance is due to illess, injury, bereavement, or business outside the legislature.

Duane Bratt, a professor in the department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University, told Global New it is possible Redford's absence is because of stress.

"It gets a bit awkward when we talk about medical leave in the situation of an elected politician, and that may sound unfair but that’s a realistic way of viewing it...I have no doubt she applied for medical leave under stress," he said.

"She has been under tremendous stress and public embarrassment and all of that. It’s just, every option looks bad."

The Calgary Sun attempted to visit Redford's constituency office late Thursday morning, but reports they were met by a locked door.

However, a staff member at the office told the Sun Redford's "been hard at work in the constituency."

Earlier this month, some opposition members said Redford needs to get back to the legislature to carry out her duties.

However, at the time, NDP Leader Brian Mason said Redford deserves some space.

"I think we should cut her some slack," he said.

"She's had a very rough period of time, a very rough go and I don't think we should expect to see her around here for a little while."

According to the CBC, the Speaker's office would not confirm if Redford intends to return to legislature at all this season.

Premier Dave Hancock said he's not concerned about Redford's lack of attendance.

"It’s not my duty as premier to police attendance in the legislature," he told the Calgary Herald earlier this week.

"I am not about to question how any given MLA represents their constituents. ...People can make their own judgments with respect to that."

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