Ministerial accountability in action

Last week, in regards to the matter of Christian Paradis and his wayward aide, the Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters that ministers are "responsible to Parliament," which is to say that "if Parliament has any questions they can ask him in the House of Commons."

During QP this afternoon, the opposition posed four questions on the matter. One of these questions was directed towards the Prime Minister and was answered, in Mr. Harper’s absence, by government house leader John Baird. The other three were directed specifically at the minister. They too were answered by Mr. Baird, while Mr. Paradis, who was present, remained seated.