"It's very disappointing. We're very far from the promises of and accountability that were made .... during the campaign."
Yesterday, Harper did little to detract from his growing reputation as Canada's peek-a-boo prime minister: While he attended a public event to celebrate Canada's flag day, he and his staff were tight-lipped about his meeting with Charest, ducking out of a back door to avoid reporters, cameras and questions.
"The case of Defense Minister O'Connor is fairly flagrant," Duceppe said, referring to O'Connor's past work as a paid lobbyist. Duceppe said former prime minister Paul Martin recused himslef from meetings where marine transportation was discussed. Former heritage minister Liza Frulla and former transport minister Jean Lapierre, who had both held jobs in radio, stayed away from decisions involving Montreal radio station CKSC when they were in cabinet.
"O'Connor will negotiate these contracts with people who had been his employers".
Duceppe was also critical of Bev Oda's appointment as heritage minister, because she speaks little or no French.
"can you imagine the reverse for an instant - a heritage who didn't speak English?"
