By John Klein (aka Saskboy)
CBC’s As It Happens, June 11, 2014.
Conservative Minister Chris Alexander: “Why is that the only question that interests you?”
Carol Off: “Because you won’t answer it, that’s why it’s interesting!”
“You want the one question that I won’t answer because it changes every day.”
“We’ve been asking this for a year now,” Off says exasperatedly.
… “click.”
That's a first: a Canadian government Minister just hung-up on Carol. Interview airs tonight.
— As It Happens (@cbcasithappens) June 11, 2014
Conservative Transparency. Can’t provide a number during a year of questioning, because it always changes, or more probably is embarrassing for exposing a lie.
So mystery solved? "@calxandr: @caroloffcbc @cbcasithappens That's the first time a journalist has made me late for Question Period! #QP”
— Rosemary Barton (@RosieBarton) June 11, 2014
UPDATE: Minister Whiny comes back with retorts on Twitter:
@cbcasithappens @caroloffcbc So CBC reporting "news" that I "hung up" on you — to do my duty in #QuestionPeriod! — is objective and prof?
— Chris Alexander (@calxandr) June 12, 2014
@calxandr @caroloffcbc Minister, I'm sorry you didn't hear that. We did read on air your tweet in which you said you were late for #QP.
— As It Happens (@cbcasithappens) June 11, 2014
Then the Minister says there are over 1500 Syrian refugees already here, contradicting the phrasing he used intentionally on the radio to hide the number.
There’s another thing that should bother people about Minister Whiny. After a year of refusing an interview, he finally contacted the media at a time when he could run away, claiming he was late for Question Period, should he need to dodge any tough questions.
@calxandr @cbcasithappens @caroloffcbc You know, Chris, most grown-ups know how to schedule their time properly. You should try it.
— CC (@canadiancynic) June 12, 2014
It’s a strategy that was also employed by Rob Ford, infamous Mayor of Toronto, with the same program.
Alexander’s motivation for being evasive was clear enough.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. #TheArtofWar
— Sun Tzu (@ApplyArtofWar) June 11, 2014
. . . he tweeted later, in an attempt to project on As It Happens journalist Off.
The Minister went on to say:
@cbcasithappens @caroloffcbc Your objective today was to belittle Cda's work to date, not help Syrian refugees, or mobilize more support.
— Chris Alexander (@calxandr) June 12, 2014
How could Canadians knowing how many Syrians Canada had actually helped serve to “belittle” our country’s effort, unless the effort has been little?
@calxandr @gliterfaery @_Confessor @cbcasithappens @caroloffcbc That's absolutely not what you said.
— Gord Campbell (@CampbellGord) June 12, 2014
Is his comma between the number and “enjoying Canada’s protection” meant to be an “and,” or an “or”? If “or,” as he said on air, then that’s a weaselly way of saying that Canada’s trying to protect those Syrians while they are abroad and still in direct danger.
Editor’s note: Alexander later phoned back to continue the interview.
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