Hmmm!

Marlene Jennings has nothing to say about secrecy in the Liberal leadership race

Posted: November 18, 2008, 3:15 PM by Kelly McParland

Liberal MP Marlene Jennings issued a toughly-worded release last Friday excoriating the Conservatives for holding their policy discussions in Winnipeg behind closed doors. Under the headline "Harper still master of the muzzle", here's what she had to say:


WINNIPEG - Prime Minister Stephen Harper's strategy of muzzle and control is alive and well at the Conservative Party policy convention in Winnipeg, Deputy Liberal House Leader Marlene Jennings said today.
"Everything here is happening behind closed doors," said Ms. Jennings. "One wonders what Mr. Harper is most embarrassed by - his party's policies or what Conservatives have to say about his leadership."
Ms. Jennings is one of many frustrated observers attending the party's three-day policy convention. Bar-coded identification cards have ensured all observers and media are excluded from policy workshops where Conservatives are discussing a wide range of proposals including new rules to elect the leader, opening up off-shore drilling in Canadian waters, and giving the provinces more flexibility to "experiment" with private health care delivery.
"My frustration at being kept out of these meetings is nothing compared to what Conservatives across Canada must be feeling," said Ms. Jennings. "Party members who can't afford to be delegates have no idea what is happening at their own convention.
"Liberals have never run such a closed show and never will," she said.

Note that last line. "Liberals have never run such a closed show and never will."

Hmmm. Two days later leadership hopeful Bob Rae stalked off from a candidate forum in Mississauga because it was not open to the public. Michael Ignatieff, who stayed, said he saw nothing wrong with candidates discussing issues "free from prying eyes."

Wait a minute! Didn't Marlene Jennings say a situation like this would never happen?

Intrigued, we offered her the chance to comment, via phone and e-mail. She hasn't had time to get back to us yet.

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