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The NDP government has sharply criticized Reid after it was revealed she refused to meet former Metro Transit Police chief Doug LePard during his investigation into part of the legislature spending scandal. Though she’d publicly pledged to fully cooperate, she instead only answered questions through her lawyer.

Reid had also attracted controversy during her tenure as Speaker from 2013 to 2017. During that time, she had to defend herself against several spending scandals, including her decision to purchase a $750 muffin rack for the MLA lounge, a $40,000 touchscreen computer terminal for her desk, and a first-class African safari trip for herself and her husband.

At the time, MLAs on both the NDP and Liberal sides of the house quietly defended her spending as allowed under the rules. But in the years since, current Speaker Darryl Plecas has released several reports that highlight alleged misspending by the former clerk and sergeant-at-arms, and Reid’s former allies have become her biggest critics.

Auditor General Carol Bellinger also released a recent report that highlighted the lax controls and oversights on how taxpayer money is spent at the legislature.

An RCMP investigation into former clerk Craig James and former sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz continues.

Reid’s participation in previous spending scandals, as well as her reluctance to participate in the ongoing investigations, has led to recent pressure on Opposition Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson to distance himself from Reid. Wilkinson has spoken of needing renewal in his party, with plans to replace some of the oldest MLAs with new candidates for the next election.

Reid was not available for comment on her retirement Thursday. Her statement said she will continue to serve out her term and work as Opposition seniors critic until the next election, which is scheduled for fall of 2021.

rshaw@postmedia.com

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