In the 2022 provincial election, many Progressive Conservative candidates skipped debates and some avoided any media interviews until after the polls closed.

Instead, party spokespeople generally provided written statements with frequent non-responses.

During a funding announcement Monday afternoon in Sudbury, Premier Doug Ford offered his own non-answer to a question about his party’s approach to the upcoming election.

Sudbury.com’s textual question was:

“During the last election, we didn’t hear much from local Progressive Conservative candidates. They avoided any media interviews, and after the election we learned that it was a directive from above not to give these media interviews. Do you have a way to ensure transparency in the next provincial elections, whenever they might be called? » » asked the journalist.

“Well, you know something, we’re focused right now on moving the province forward,” Ford said. “That’s the last thing on my mind, to be very frank with you.”

The rest of his response didn’t answer the question. Instead, he talked about infrastructure, the gas tax, affordability, economic development and how other governments are raising taxes.

Nickel Belt NDP MP France Gélinas, who was present at the press conference, told Sudbuy.com she thought the premier’s response was telling.

“Transparency and accountability are almost impossible with this government,” she said, adding that she had been waiting for two and a half years for documents from the access to information process that should have been made public in the departure. .

“They have their message, they repeat the same message over and over and don’t let anyone speak,” Gélinas said.

In the upcoming provincial election, Gélinas said she expects to see the same thing from the Progressive Conservatives.

“Their candidates will not be allowed to speak, their candidates will not be allowed to share anything with the media. Everything will come from the center, so they control the message all the way. …They do the same thing at Queen’s Park. Even MPs are not allowed to speak.

In response to a question during Monday’s media event, Ford said, “There will be no early election this year.”

Because every time there is an election, Ford has capped off his comments by urging people to vote “PC Blue” to reap greater benefits.

“Look what happened to Thunder Baylook what happened to Timmins when they turned around,” he said. “110 ministerial visits to Thunder Bay? Everything is said. »