Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, four days after announcing she won’t answer questions on her ethics investigation, says she will limit questions on all other topics.
Smith told reporters in Calgary Friday that she will only allow reporters to ask a single question at news conferences and not allow them the traditional followup query.
Asked why, she replied, “It’s an election, that’s why.
“We’re sort of getting into election mode, so we have lots of people (and we) want to answer lots of questions.”
The election is not set to formally begin for two more weeks, and Smith invoked the new rule, not at a United Conservative Party event, but at a government-funded media availability to unveil a new panel to address multicultural issues.
The Opposition NDP responded quickly, promising to answer any and all questions put to them, including followups.
“Leaders take questions — it’s part of the job,” NDP Leader Rachel Notley said on social media.
“If Danielle Smith isn’t willing to explain herself to Albertans, she shouldn’t be premier. Albertans deserve better.”
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi also weighed in on social media.
“Folks, this is really wrong,” said Nenshi. “This was a government announcement, not an election announcement.
“It’s part of the job to answer questions no matter how tough — why I scrummed almost daily.
“Not answering means you’re either hiding something or your staff are scared of what you’ll say.”
Some political scientists said Smith is making the change to avoid accountability, particularly given the recent controversy over her phone call with Calgary street pastor Art Pawlowski about his then-upcoming criminal trial.
They said followup questions to politicians are crucial, as they are typically used to clarify gaps or assumptions or to challenge, if necessary, the…
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