The official Opposition is advocating for Nils Clarke, the Speaker of the legislature, to be constrained from partisan activities by an official code of conduct.

On Tuesday, a motion was brought forward by Watson Lake MLA Patti McLeod requesting a set of official guidelines for Speaker activities.

In an interview with the Star, interim Opposition Leader Stacey Hassard expressed concern that Clarke frequently appears in government advertising and takes part in government-to-government discussions like the Yukon Forum.

Hassard said his party has noticed Clarke’s inclusion in political fundraisers and attendance at other events as a Liberal member of government.

Hassard’s party pointed to several social media posts by the ruling party in which Clarke is photographed standing alongside other Liberal party members.

The Yukon Forum, it was pointed out, can only be attended by members of the Liberal caucus. This could leave the impression that Clarke attended the forum as a Liberal member.

Hassard expressed concern that Clarke’s activities may cause him to appear biased toward the Liberal government.

“We know the Speaker is supposed to appear neutral,” Hassard said. “I think it’s important that we uphold that.”

He said the question of a potential code of conduct has been discussed several times within his party. The code of conduct, he said, would be helpful to all future Speakers.

“It’s not just for us, it’s not just for the Speaker,” Hassard said.

“It gives some understanding for Speakers to come as to what they are and aren’t supposed to be doing, and it just makes it fair for everyone that way.”

Though he is concerned with future fairness, Hassard said, his party has taken particular issue with Speaker neutrality during Clarke’s three-year reign and in particular during the fall session.

“We’ve raised some concerns about Speaker activity in the past,” Hassard said.

Clarke was unavailable for comment on the issue before press time this afternoon.

Premier Sandy Silver told media on Tuesday afternoon that Clarke adheres to all rules and procedures set for the Speaker of the House.

“Booming economy, lowest unemployment rate in Canada, they have to talk about something,” Silver said.

The final definition and guidelines of the code of conduct would have to be decided by the Standing Committee on Rules, Elections and Privileges.

In the legislative assembly’s procedural handbook, the Speaker’s role is described as one of “authority and impartiality” working to balance the ruling and opposing parties and ensure business is carried out in an orderly manner.

The Speaker is described as serving all members of the house equally.