Premier Houston’s cabinet hasn’t faced the press gallery in seven weeks —opposition alleges evasion. Formal availability to resume Sept. 18.
Nova Scotia Cabinet Avoids Press for Seven Weeks
Extended Press Absence
Premier Tim Houston and his cabinet have been absent from group press-gallery availabilities for over five weeks, with seven weeks expected by the time of their return on September 18, a week before MLAs return to the legislature.
Tradition Interrupted
By long-standing convention, cabinets meet weekly—biweekly in summer—and immediately afterwards hold a press Q&A. This practice dates back decades, providing regular transparent access. Such group availabilities have become consistently rarer since Premier Houston took office.
Past Precedents and Pandemic Shift
The trend toward fewer formal availabilities began under former Premier Stephen McNeil. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted access, moving to video-moderated sessions. Yet, Houston’s government has shown reluctance to revert to in-person press engagement, extending the gaps even beyond past practices.
Official Explanation
According to press secretary Catherine Klimek, the government will resume regular press access starting September 18. She credited summer constituency work for the smaller number of formal cabinet meetings, noting that “ad hoc meetings, where schedules allow,” ensured continuity of services and programs across the province.
Criticism from Opposition
NDP Leader Claudia Chender criticized this shift toward more controlled messaging: “This government is very good at putting out shiny videos and press releases… But we need to be able to ask questions.” She also highlighted that important issues—like a housing wait-list increase of 1,200 people from last October to June—required digging through access-to-information requests rather than being openly acknowledged in press briefings.
Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette, who served in previous cabinets, echoed the concerns: he had never seen such a long span without post-cabinet press availability. He referenced a PC-issued fundraising letter suggesting the party saw “bypassing the media” as an advantage—adding, “I hope that this is not a continuation of that philosophy… It’s unacceptable that it’s been this long.”
Summary
Premier Houston’s cabinet has not engaged collectively with the province’s press gallery for seven weeks, diverging from four decades of transparency conventions. While the government points to summer scheduling and constituency outreach as justification, opposition voices warn of eroding democratic accountability—particularly when key issues emerge without public accountability until delayed behind closed doors.
Stay connected with Canada’s latest headlines — follow Maple News Wire on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn.
