PM Harper's iron message control working

Stephen Harper avoids scrums by taking a side door into Centre Block, only holds tightly-controlled press conferences, and has an iron fist on his government's message control. It works for him.

OTTAWA—Prime Minister Stephen Harper has become legend for the iron control he exerts not only over the messages his government sends out over the heads of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, but also the messages his staff and MPs project.

And at the height of the Parliamentary firestorm over H1N1 a week ago, the hit-team that helps him maintain control over communications in times of crisis was putting in long hours.

The...

By ChrisInKW

The first to fall is a free and unfettered press.

By Sean John

Why should Harper pander to a bunch of Lib/NDP hacks. The Ottawa press gallery are simple leftwing propogandists and anti-all-things-Alberta. Remember how Stock Day was butchered for not knowing the directoral flow of a river, like anyone cares. You're in bed with the Libs, now you've made it, so sleep in it.

By Kim Leaman

I for one have very little respect for Stephen Harper and cannot fathom the fact that he grows more popular. I believe the more Canadians see of Harper the LESS respect they have for him. "He calls it as he sees it." (hollinm) I have never heard Stephen Harper answer a single Un-authorized question in the last Four years and neither Sir, Have you.

By hollinm

Harper's media strategy would never have worked if the public had respect for the lame street media. However, most Canadians see them operating in a pack mentality, focusing on silly issues i.e. poopin puffins and really do not ask serious questions. They are always looking for the gotcha moments. So the media lost the battle because the public sided with Mr. Harper. Until the media changes and focuses on serious public matters and stops looking for sensationalistic headlines Harper will not give an inch. How many times do we see a headline which says the government "blasted" over this, that or the other thing. As for the comments by Wiseman his is part of the anti Harper crowd and his comments have no credibility. Harper avoids the media because he wants the PM's office to be respected. Sometimes less is more. I will never forget Julie Van Dusen of CBC asking Harper at one of his first press conferences in 2006 why he was hiding. Harper's reply was when I have something to say I will show up. Talk about lack of respect for the PM's office. I believe the more Canadians see of Harper the more respect they have for him. He calls it as he sees it. That does ruffle some feathers but you can't please everybody all the time.