An MLA on leave, a testy exchange and protecting animals EMMA GRANEY

The absence of Calgary-Varsity NDP MLA Stephanie McLean from the house this session has set the tongues of Alberta legislature watchers wagging.

Could she be sitting out in a silent protest to support ousted NDP MLA Robyn Luff ? Is she just angry she was dropped from cabinet? The answer is no. Alberta NDP caucus communications director Robin Steudel told Postmedia McLean is on leave in accordance with the Legislative Assembly Act.

McLean didn’t elaborate in a brief email exchange, saying only she has been better and would like her privacy respected at this time.

“I have notified the speaker’s office. My leave is not politically motivated,” McLean said.

UCP SLAMS PHILLIPS OVER PIPELINE HEARINGS

United Conservative leader Jason Kenney had a go at Environment Minister Shannon Phillips this week over her attendance at a 2013 National Energy Board hearing to argue against the approval of Northern Gateway pipeline.

Phillips worked with the Alberta Federation of Labour at the time.

When Kenney raised the issue in question period Wednesday, Phillips shot back that she fought for refining and upgrading in Alberta “for years against a Conservative government that made promises but in fact delivered nothing.”

“For 10 years in Ottawa this honourable member did in fact nothing. In fact, he did more to create this situation of Alberta’s land lock than he did to fix it,” she said.

The speaker ruled an NDP point of order on the question was valid, saying “issues outside the influence of the government ought not to be considered” at question period.

BEEF UP PROTECTIONS FOR ANIMALS: ALBERTA PARTY

Calgary-South East MLA Rick Fraser wants the government to give more teeth to animal protection laws.

Fraser raised the issue in question period on the heels of a shocking online video over the weekend that showed a man beating a coyote to death in Sexsmith. The RCMP is investigating the incident.

Fraser told Postmedia he has been in discussions with Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier for well over a year, and was hoping there would be movement on the file.

Calling the video “heart-wrenching,” Carlier said his government is working with stakeholders “to do what we can to be able to protect our animals right across the province.”