Ottenbreit named Deputy Whip

Yorkton Saskatchewan Party MLA Greg Ottenbreit has been appointed Deputy Whip by Premier Brad Wall.

"It's a house leadership position," explained Ottenbreit, who will act as deputy to Whip Randy Weekes.

The positions of Whip, and deputy revolve around making sure there are enough MLAs in the Legislature for debates and votes to take place, he explained, adding their roles also extend to ensuring there are sufficient members attending committee meetings outside the Legislature to ensure those committees are able to function.

In the case of the Legislature 13 government MLAs, one from the Opposition side, plus the Speaker are required, said Ottenbreit. While not seeming like a lot out of 49, he said when Cabinet is in meeting, and committees begin their work later in the afternoons it can take some work to ensure the numbers are in the Legislature.

"It can get the numbers down pretty tight," he said, adding at times coming down to pretty much " standing at the door counting heads," he said.

As a result Ottenbreit said either he or Weekes must be at the Legislature when it is in session.

Ottenbreit said he has found in the first couple of weeks his job has also been about helping new MLAs settle in. The Saskatchewan Party has 15 new faces this term.

"It's things like giving directions in the building, and getting them where they need to be," he said. "It's just sharing information with new members."

Ottenbreit said in general the Whip position is about keeping MLAs informed so government can operate smoothly.

"It's keeping members informed on what's happening in the Legislative Assembly," he said.