Longtime legislative assembly clerk Tim Mercer is confirming he did indeed get into a heated exchange with Lands Minister Shane Thompson in the legislative assembly back in March but says it did not get physical.

Two anonymous witnesses told SA国际影视传媒 that an irate Mercer angrily approached Thompson and slapped his hand and pushed him just before MLAs were to gather for a caucus meeting, March 13.

SA国际影视传媒淚 stuck my head out of my office and looked down the hallway. And I saw Tim getting into ShaneSA国际影视传媒檚 face, getting closer and closer and Shane said SA国际影视传媒榮top that, donSA国际影视传媒檛 ever talk to me like that!SA国际影视传媒� and stuck his finger out and Tim slapped down his hand,SA国际影视传媒� said one source.

SA国际影视传媒淎nd then Tim gave him a little shove. At that point (Nunakput MLA) Jackie Jacobson ran out of his office and said, SA国际影视传媒楲etSA国际影视传媒檚 take this insideSA国际影视传媒� and dragged them both into his office and closed the door and blinds.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think Tim probably got told by someone that Shane was talking shit to screw with him and Tim let it get to him. At that point I didnSA国际影视传媒檛 see anything further and I couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 hear anything concrete but it was a loud argument. That carried on for a while.SA国际影视传媒�

As the clerk, Mercer is responsible for managing the territory's consensus system of government in the legislative assembly and advises the speaker and the MLAs on its rules and procedures.

The exchange with Thompson took place three days before the winter budget session of the legislative assembly shut down early due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The witness quoted in this story submitted a written complaint to supervisors the next day, along with a complaint to the WorkersSA国际影视传媒� Safety and Compensation Commission.

SA国际影视传媒 has been unable to confirm through official channels that an investigation is taking place, nor have the allegations been tested in court.

The safety commission was contacted Wednesday about the complaint but spokesperson Maggie Collins said the WSCC SA国际影视传媒渃anSA国际影视传媒檛 release information about particular reports received or actions the WSCC may be taking (under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act).SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒 obtained a copy of the written complaint and a confirmation of receipt with a reference number.

Mercer told SA国际影视传媒 on Friday that he has not seen the written complaint but insists the argument did not turn violent.

SA国际影视传媒淲e had a heated discussion about a matter at the end of a long day,SA国际影视传媒� Mercer stated in an email.

SA国际影视传媒淚t ended as quickly as it began with mutual apologies, which were fully accepted on both sides. There was no shoving or physical contact of any kind. He and I have enjoyed a close and effective working relationship for nearly five years and it is as strong or stronger now than it ever was. ISA国际影视传媒檓 also pretty sure he could take me.SA国际影视传媒�

The clerk, who has been on the job since 2003, added Thompson also disagrees with the sources' characterization of events, as first reported in the May 15 Yellowknifer.

SA国际影视传媒 briefly spoke with Thompson on Wednesday but he declined to comment, and referred questions to the GNWT press secretary instead. A comment was also sought from legislative assembly speaker Frederick Blake Jr. who oversees operations and staff in the assembly but he has yet to respond to SA国际影视传媒's questions.

Mercer said SA国际影视传媒渋t's clear that this person has an axe to grind but prefers to do it through rumour spreading and innuendo,SA国际影视传媒� referring to sources who spoke to SA国际影视传媒.