Ottawa

First Ministers Meeting (FMM): Don’t worry, Prime Minister, I’m sure they won’t be talking about you.

From the press gallery newswire this morning (emphasis added):

MEDIA ADVISORY

Council of the Federation to Meet in Ottawa on November 10, 2008

OTTAWA, November 10, 2008 – As Chair of the Council of the Federation, Québec Premier Jean Charest announced that the Council will meet on Monday, November 10 in Ottawa prior to the First Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) scheduled later that day.

Location: Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario. Time: Provincial and territorial Premiers will meet for a private session from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

From the meeting schedule sent out by the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat on Friday afternoon:

FIRST MINISTERS’ MEETING

OTTAWA – November 10, 2008
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1N 1J1

Media Program (subject to revision)

Monday, November 10, 2008

06:30 Media accreditation opens
111 Sussex Drive
Sussex Pavilion foyer

11:45 Arrivals of First Ministers
Unimic available
Karsh-Masson Gallery

12:00 Meeting commences
Photo pool opportunity
Victoria room

So did the premiers not bother to inform PMO that they’d be getting together for a pre-meeting session over croissants and coffee? Or is this a last minute addition to the schedule? (And how, exactly, are reporters supposed to get from the Chateau to Old City Hall in time to cover first ministerial outs at the former and ins at the latter?)

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.