The Bank of Canada’s blacklisting of questions from Blacklock’sReport was an isolated incident, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Monday..The comments come after Blacklock’s recorded a bank manager who said authorities would not be “allowing Blacklock’s to be asking questions,” while giving preferential treatment to Bloomberg News..Unaware his microphone was on, Paul Badertscher, director of communications to bank Governor Tiff Macklem, said certain media were blacklisted from asking questions in a Jan. 14 videoconference..“There’s a couple here who I absolutely — I’ll check the list to make sure he’s not listening — absolutely not keen to give questions to,” Badertscher said. “I do not want to be in a situation where we are allowing Blacklock’s to be asking us. So, yes, that’s where we’re at.”.An Inquiry Of Ministry tabled by Freeland in the House of Commons said the comment was an isolated occurrence and does not reflect the Bank’s media relations policies, according to Blacklock’s Reporter..“The bank recognizes that the media is a primary channel through which we communicate to the general public.”.In the same video conference, Badertscher told his colleagues Bloomberg News reporter Theophilos Argitis had called to ask how to cover the bank’s announcement..“Theo Argitis gave me a call, just to sort of do the, ‘Hey, what’s my lede here?’ you know, as a former colleague of mine,” said Badertscher..Badertscher was speaking to Deputy Bank Governor Toni Gravelle and Ben Gully, assistant superintendent of banks..Bank executives declined comment, but Conservative MP Martin Shields filed the inquiry..“We maintain relationships with members of the media in order to promote accurate reporting of Bank publications,” wrote the bank. “These relationships are guided by core principles of fair treatment and equal access. The Bank welcomes questions.”.A Dec. 16 ministerial mandate letter said federal employees had a duty to act professionally in dealing with reporters and the public. .“Canadians continue to rely on journalists and journalism for accurate and timely news,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s letter. “I expect you to maintain professional and respectful relationships with journalists to ensure Canadians are well informed.”.A 2015 Mandate letter pledged to “set a higher bar for openness and transparency in government” including taking questions. .“Members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, indeed all journalists in Canada and abroad, are professionals who by asking necessary questions contribute in an important way to the democratic process,” it read. “Your professionalism and engagement with them is essential.”.Rachel Emmanuel is an Ottawa Parliamentary reporter for the Western Standard
