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“If there’s any lessons to be learned, it’s that when you are getting attacked over and over again to just stay strong and to remember why I ran to begin with,” Drever said when asked what the experience taught her.

Since her suspension, Drever produced a private member’s bill designed to protect victims of domestic violence, which passed unanimously in the legislature.

Drever’s bill changes the Residential Tenancies Act to allow victims of spousal abuse to break leases and move out early.

Premier Rachel Notley, in Winnipeg Friday to meet Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, said she is pleased Drever “worked so hard” on the criteria she was provided to earn her way back into caucus.

“Most people would agree that she has met those requirements and exceeded them,” Notley told reporters at a news conference. “I am very pleased for her and for her constituents.”

Notley said that “if people change their life and roll up their sleeves and do the job and commit to doing a good job, and do so with honesty and integrity, then I think they should have every opportunity at their disposal.”

“I think that not only applies to all MLAs, but frankly to all citizens.”

Photo by Leah Hennel / Calgary Herald

Calling the bill Drever’s “crowning achievement,” government house leader Brian Mason said the young MLA had “acquitted tremendously well” and built relationships with organizations that deal with family violence.

“It’s an outstanding piece of legislation,” Mason told reporters in Calgary. “We’re very proud of the work that she has done and we’re very happy at this time to welcome her back.”