Hon. Claude Carignan: My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

Leader, every minister’s mandate letter contains the following statement:

Canadians continue to rely on journalists and journalism for accurate and timely news. I expect you to maintain professional and respectful relationships with journalists to ensure that Canadians are well informed and have the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.

Yesterday, however, journalists covering the infamous passport story on public property were told by security officers that they were on federal property and were asked to leave. Journalists were kicked out of passport offices at the Guy‑Favreau Complex, which is a public space.

Is that the government’s vision for freedom of the press and for Canadians’ right to be fully informed?