Photo: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca / J. Murray Beck

Nova Scotia Premier and Cabinet Avoid Press for Weeks

Premier Tim Houston and his cabinet in Nova Scotia have not met with the press for more than five weeks, and they will not return until the week of September 18. This has raised concerns among opposition leaders, who say the government is avoiding scrutiny.

Historically, the provincial cabinet meets weekly on Thursdays. After each meeting, the premier and ministers answer questions from the press on any topic. Outside of this schedule, they are only available to reporters if they choose to be.

During the time of former Premier Stephen McNeil, press access started to become less regular. The COVID-19 pandemic made it even harder, with many briefings moved online. But the current government seems less interested in returning to the traditional post-meeting sessions. Several long gaps in press availability have occurred since Houston took office.

Government Says Availability Will Resume Soon

Catherine Klimek, the premier’s press secretary, said that regular press access will start again on September 18, a week before members of the provincial legislature return. This means that for seven weeks, the press will not have had direct access to the premier or his cabinet.

Klimek added that Premier Houston has still met with the media about specific events, like wildfires, and has spoken with local reporters while traveling across the province. She explained that during summer, ministers spend more time in their own communities, which reduces formal cabinet meetings.

She also said that “ad hoc” meetings have been held whenever schedules allowed, ensuring that government programs and services continue without interruption.

Opposition Leaders Raise Concerns

Opposition parties say this approach limits public access to important information. NDP Leader Claudia Chender said the government seems more interested in creating “shiny videos and press releases” than answering real questions from journalists.

Chender pointed out that some government data, like the increase in public housing waitlists by 1,200 people over the last nine months, is not covered in press releases. She said journalists must dig for this information to give people a full picture of what the government is doing.

She also recalled that during the last legislative session, Premier Houston tried to limit reporters’ access to cabinet ministers. The government later allowed access after pushback.

Longest Gap in Recent History

Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette, who served in previous Liberal cabinets, said he has never seen such a long gap without post-cabinet press meetings.

Mombourquette also noted a fundraising letter issued earlier this year by the Progressive Conservatives, which suggested bypassing the media to focus on party supporters. He said he hopes the current absence of press meetings is not part of a strategy to avoid transparency.

“This situation is unacceptable,” Mombourquette said. “People deserve to know what the government is doing.”

What This Means

Regular press briefings are a key part of government transparency. When the premier and cabinet avoid journalists, it limits the public’s access to information about government programs, services, and policy decisions.

Opposition leaders believe that press questions are essential to hold the government accountable and ensure citizens are informed about issues like public housing, health services, and other programs.

While the government maintains that it is still communicating with people directly and managing its work behind the scenes, critics say these steps are not enough to replace traditional press briefings.

Summary

Premier Tim Houston and his cabinet have avoided the press for over five weeks, with formal access expected to resume in mid-September. Critics say this is a break from tradition, limiting accountability and public information.