Premier avoiding scrutiny: Opposition
HALIFAX — Opposition leaders say Premier Stephen McNeil can no longer justify avoiding the full scrutiny of in-person news conferences while his government continues to make critical decisions with essentially no legislative oversight.
In recent weeks, several reporters have asked the premier to hold in-person media briefings rather than by telephone where reporters are allowed only two questions. The premier has also limited his media availability to two roughly 25-minute questionand-answer sessions with reporters each week.
McNeil has refused to meet with reporters in person, citing concerns for his health, even though media has pledged to wear masks and social distance. At the same time, McNeil has faced criticism for shutting down important legislative oversight committees, such as the public accounts and health committees, during the pandemic. The legislature also hasn’t had a sitting since March.
NDP Leader Gary Burrill and Tory Leader Tim Houston accuse the premier of neglecting one of his most basic duties to be fully open and accountable to Nova Scotians. They also said he’s demonstrating a double standard.
“The premier has asked businesses, parents, childcare operators to return to work and do their part to restart the economy,” said Houston. “He seems to have a different set of rules for himself and he’s refusing to bring back normalcy to his own job.”
On Wednesday, Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette showed up at a media-attended gathering in Cape Breton where he spoke about new government funding for a children’s home at Breton Ability Centre. Mombourquette posted details of the event, including photos, on his Facebook page.
On Thursday, the premier said the minister simply attended a community event in his riding, not a governmentorganized media event.
“I’ve been in community events in this town as well,” he said.
But the premier offered no timeline for when he would hold in-person media events.
“We are assessing, certainly, when we will get a chance of having all of you in here,” said the premier. “I miss seeing you.”
McNeil has said legislative committees will reopen in the fall but has not provided a date.
Houston said the minister’s public appearance illustrates “ridiculous” inconsistencies in McNeil’s style of governance.
“I’m glad Minister Mombourquette is not afraid of people and reporters,” he said.
Burrill said the premier should be following the example set by his minister.
“Of course, the premier and his government can do their job, which is to be accountable to the public through the opposition, the media, and if they have difficulties doing that then their job is to get around those difficulties not to hide behind them.”
Like Houston, he said the premier should be following his own advice to Nova Scotians, that they can get on with their business and personal affairs in a safe manner.
“Every health-care provider is figuring out something unique to their circumstances, everyone is facing difficulties and challenges. They’re figuring out solutions and doing it,” said Burrill.