Harper Urges Journalists to Shine Light Before Running Off

Prime Minister Stephen Harper told journalists gathered at a ethnic media awards dinner in Toronto to "shine light into dark corners." Harper then hightailed it before journalists had the time to grill him on his statements.

Harper told those in attendance at the event at Seneca College in Markham Canadian journalists don't have to deal with the restrictions that some nations have when it comes to reporting on the government. In some nations reporters risk their lives if they do not follow the directives set for them, making journalists little more than government mouthpieces. CBC reports:

"Our government does not tell journalists what to say, or attempt to intimidate those with whom it disagrees," he said.

Once the speech ended and awards were presented Harper went behind backstage refusing to answer questions at the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada event. It's not unlike typical Harper behaviour reports The Globe and Mail. Harper is known to hand pick reporters to ask questions and have questions presented in advance of press events. The press had been told prior to the event that Harper would not be taking questions by his staff.