Harper's silence undermines democracy, says media union

OTTAWA, May 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Prime Minister Stephen Harper is undermining Canada's democratic process by not responding to basic questions put to him by Canada's journalists.

"Canadians get their information about the activities of government through the professional work of journalists. When elected politicians refuse to answer - they are snubbing their nose at citizens and democracy," says Peter Murdoch, Vice-President Media of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, Canada's media union.

In the wake of the Senate expense scandal, which in the past week has cost Mr. Harper two members of his upper chamber caucus, CEP is calling on the prime minister to answer Canadians' questions.

"We don't expect full revelation on personal matters, but on issues of government there has to be accountability. And the best route for that is through the media.

"We are calling on Mr. Harper to stop the muzzling and the double talk and to answer openly to Canadians, through their reliable media, the multiple questions being asked by journalists of every stripe." 

CEP represents journalists at both newspapers and broadcasters.

SOURCE: COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND PAPERWORKERS UNION OF CANADA

Peter Murdoch, [phone], [email protected]