Quebec Liberals told not to speak with reporters unless ‘briefed’

QUEBEC CITY — Last April, Premier Philippe Couillard pledged to lead the most transparent government in Quebec history.

He quickly set out to disclose ministers’ agendas and announced Quebecers would also be able to see government expenses such as travelling and publicity fees by visiting the government’s website.

“I will challenge anyone here to find a government before ours that has been as accessible as we have been. Never have you heard me say I’ll only take questions on that subject, not on another subject, and the same goes for ministers,” Couillard said Thursday.

The Premier also indicated he is re-considering his strategy.

Over the past few months, Education Minister Yves Bolduc became notorious for putting his foot in his mouth.

Bolduc famously said children in Quebec wouldn’t die without new books, and Tuesday, he said strip searches in schools were okay, as long as they were handled “respectfully.”

On Wednesday, Liberal staffers issued a gag order. By Thursday morning, reporters were told ministers would not be answering questions before having been thoroughly briefed in caucus.

“It’s perfectly normal, it’s a government ‘okay.’ It’s perfectly normal that ministers know all the facts before they come and meet you,” said Couillard.

“Situations are rapidly evolving, they change literally from one half hour to the next half hour, people have to know the facts so you get better information.”

Opposition parties called it “Harperization.”

“When you are the government, you have responsibility,” said the Coalition Avenir Quebec’s Jean-François Roberge. “You have to face the people who made you the government.”

The longest-serving member of the National Assembly, the Parti Québécois’ François Gendron, agreed ministers must remain accessible through thick and thin.

“They have to give a maximum of transparency,” he said.

The Fédération professionelle des journalistes du Québec (FPJQ) called the Liberals’ new strategy an “obstruction tactic.” The Federation accused the Liberals of working to protect their image instead of the public’s right to information.