Saskatchewan’s Opposition N-D-P says the public deserves more details after a legislature member was charged with assault by choking.
Greg Lawrence faces two counts under the Criminal Code and is to make his first court appearance in provincial court in March.
Moose Jaw police say the investigation began seven months earlier in June and involved two people.
Police have not provided further details or identified the alleged victim.
The Saskatchewan Party has said Lawrence resigned from caucus and now sits as an Independent.
N-D-P Leader Carla Beck says she wants to know when Premier Scott Moe knew about the investigation and why Lawrence wasn’t dismissed sooner.
She says while elected officials have a right to a judicial process, the public holds them to a higher standard.
“What the premier is saying has to be backed up by action, and I think accountability starts at the top,” Beck said.
Moe says he learned Tuesday that it was confirmed police were investigating Lawrence.
He says he learned of the charges Wednesday through media reports.
Lawrence is the second Saskatchewan politician to face charges in court in recent months.
In November, officers arrested legislature member Ryan Domotor in a sting operation to combat sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Domotor, who was removed from the Saskatchewan Party caucus and now sits as an Independent, was then charged for seeking to obtain sexual services after communicating with an undercover officer.
Domotor, who represents Cut Knife-Turtleford, is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Thursday.
His lawyer has said Domotor is looking to have the matter resolved and go through the alternative measures program.
-With files from the Canadian Press-