PM makes 'em gag

This ran in the Ottawa Sun yesterday: PM makes 'em gag Harperites muzzle opposition beyond Parliament Hill By GREG WESTON Over at super-Steve's fun emporium, the prime minister and his advisers are merrily passing their days playing whack-a-critic, offing heads of federal agencies who dare to doubt The Conservative Way. It started just after the last election -- first it was out with the pinko-commie law reformers, then the nagging women's advocates, escalating in recent weeks to the federal nuclear regulator and the entire office of the national science adviser. Meanwhile, over at the Canadian Wheat Board, it seems, any day is a beautiful day for an execution. First, the Harperites mowed down board president Adrian Measner, a 34-year-veteran of the board. Last week, the Conservative plow got the board's VP of communications, Deanna Allen, the agency's official spokesperson and frequent public face. The sin of both execs, apparently, was not championing the Harper government's proposed legislation to end the wheat board's monopoly on grain marketing -- so-called Bill C-39 -- a move that the farmers' union and other critics claim would effectively kill the agency altogether. We don't pretend to understand all the minutia of the great grain debate, but even we can comprehend Measner's concern expressed at the time of his firing: "If you aren't free to speak out, what kind of country do we have?" Predictably, Harper's speak-no-evil style of governance is beginning to leach beyond the federal executive suites into the working bureaucracy. A recent memo from the Canadian Grain Commission's director of human resources to rank-and-file public servants, for instance, sent a clear message: In Stephen Harper's wonderful world of open and accountable government, having an independent mind and mouth risks not having a job. Seems one of the major federal public service unions has been encouraging its members at the commission to write to their MPs, opposing Bill C-39 killing federal control of grain sales. A subsequent e-mail from management, approved at the highest levels of the Harper administration, warned in part: "You are free to convey your views to your Member of Parliament, so long as you do not criticize the Government of Canada, or otherwise bring into question your ability to perform your employment duties." Translation: As long as you agree with Harper, by all means write and tell your MP. Otherwise, best not leave your office as a return address on the letter. The muzzle doesn't stop there. Even letters to the editor that may be critical of The Conservative Truth are apparently out. "If you identify yourself as a Canadian Grain Commission employee in a letter to the editor that criticizes government policy relating to (the commission), you could create a perception that your views of government policy are not impartial, and that you may not be able to follow or apply government policy in an impartial manner." Translation: By all means write to the paper, and be sure to check the want ads for your next job opportunity. On the web Finally, for those who think the Internet is the ultimate forum for free speech, here is the Harper government's official position on that subject. "We would like to remind you that inappropriate behaviour by employees on websites, blogs and public fora (newspapers and meetings, etc.) could result in administrative and/or disciplinary action. "We encourage you to consult your manager should you need further clarification and guidance." Translation: Criticize the Harper government's wheat policy, and you're toast.