Environment minister Andrea Barbour spoke with media outside the House of Assembly on Thursday after being unavailable for repeated requests earlier in the week.
During Question Period on Wednesday, Barbour accused media of twisting the narrative in relation to an article in The Independent, which references a draft model of greenhouse emissions that do not meet provincial targets.
Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister Andrea Barbour (NL HoA/YouTube)
After those comments, she was not made available to answer questions about what she said.
Barbour states that she has not been ducking questions on her portfolio. She admits that she did turn down one scrum, and attributes that to being a new MHA and minister and wanting to be in the House to learn how things work.
She says she has been listening very closely and observing the proceedings, and states that “I have to be present as much as possible.”
With that said, Barbour was asked if she was put in cabinet too quickly.
“Not at all,” says Barbour, “I have the background, I have the knowledge, and I have the wisdom that comes with this job. It’s a perfect fit and I’ve enjoyed every moment.
Minister Andrea Barbour (VOCM News)
As for her comments about the media, Barbour doubled down on what she said.
“The media do twists narratives, that’s known – everyone knows that and it’s nothing new.”
When it comes to the yellow rubber boots, Barbour says she did ‘nothing wrong’
The custom keychains were handed out as a keepsake to students during a pilgrimage to battlefields in Europe (Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador/Facebook)
Meanwhile, Barbour defended her actions when asked about her decision to hand out rubber boot keychains during her trip to Beaumont Hamel in July.
She says she has no regrets, she followed all protocols and did “nothing wrong.”
