gag and muzzle the local clown

Mayes spits out gag
Scott Neufeld, March 22, 2006, Daily Courier Vernon

Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes is calling any suggestions his letters and columns are censored by the Prime Minister's office ridiculous.

Last week, an internal Conservative Party e-mail intercepted by Canadian media outlined a plan to slow the flow of communication between the party and the press. According to the e-mail, all forms of communication right down to notes or letters to the editor, were to pass through the Prime Minister's office for approval.

Harper's gag order will only apply to cabinet ministers, Mayes said. He said his columns and letters flow from his pen, straight to the local media.

"That's a false statement, but with anything to do with ministers that is true," he said. "MPs have free will to deal with constituents."
By missing the facts, the press failed in their duty to inform, Mayes said. He said this story illustrates how investigative reporting is becoming weaker.

"I was really disturbed," he said. "It's one thing you'll always find with me; I'm critical of media people that don't do due diligence, don't do their homework."

Mayes said he does see some wisdom in having statements censored through the Prime Minister's office. He said doing so can avoid contradictions between party members.

"The Prime Minister's Office said that before ministers make announcements (Harper) wants to know so he can react to them," he said. "I think the Prime Minister respects due process and he respects the ability of his appointed ministers."

When speaking on different topics, Mayes said he will run his comments by the appropriate ministry before going public.

He said this will make sure he has the proper background information.

Writing columns for the local newspaper is an important tool for him to communicate with his constituents, Mayes said. He said he won't let anyone take that away from him.

"I really value the ability to communicate through our local media in terms of effectiveness in Ottawa," he said. "There's no way I want to be corkscrewed with my political affiliation - I won't let them muscle me."

When asked whether he would allow his columns to be censored in the future, Mayes said it would depend on the situation.

He said to maintain a good relationship with the party it could become necessary.

"One of the things about politics is diplomacy - it goes a long way so it's very important to choose your words wisely," he said.

"If the Prime Minister's office cannot make a good argument for their case I would probably make my views known," he said. "If they could make a good argument why, I would present that information to my constituents."