bill graham speaks out on harper

PM slammed for 'secrecy'
24 HOURS NEWS SERVICES, March 28, 2006

Opposition Leader Bill Graham accused Stephen Harper's Conservatives yesterday of keeping Canadians in the dark about their agenda and restricting access to ministers.

"Citizens have a right and should know what's going on and the press is the conduit whereby that information is conveyed to our citizenry," Graham said, adding if Conservatives can't handle the heat from the media on thorny issues, they shouldn't be in charge in Ottawa.

The National Press Gallery and the Prime Minister's Office have been butting heads since the Conservatives entered office because Harper's officials have shrouded his meetings with premiers and heads of state in secrecy.

Sandra Buckler, Harper's director of communication, also threatened to remove access to ministers following their cabinet meetings, insisting during a meeting with the gallery last week that there was a need to protect the "safety" of the media.

Buckler said meetings with premiers and foreign heads of state will likely remain shrouded in secrecy because they could be private in nature.

"It could be just a courtesy call, could be very quick, maybe unscheduled," Buckler argued during her meeting with the press gallery, adding she wasn't aware that the president of Haiti recently paid a visit to Harper in Ottawa.

Past federal governments have openly advertised the presence and itineraries of foreign heads of states and dignitaries. And following every cabinet meeting ministers have always made themselves available for questioning.