Female journalists denied bathroom access at PM event

The Star's Tanya Talaga reports:
Female journalists covering a prime ministerial event at a Mississauga road maintenance facility felt they were in the Dark Ages when the RCMP restricted them from using a men’s washroom. In search of relief prior to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s arrival, a columnist tried to use the men’s bathroom while a reporter stood guard outside. The two women were ordered out and away from the area by the RCMP. Oddly, the journalists were told they could be escorted to the loo while the PM was at the podium making a $138-million infrastructure announcement.

Harper’s deputy press secretary Andrew MacDougall said the bathroom situation was a security issue.

“A washroom was available for all times but when the PM had to move, access was restricted temporarily until movement was complete,” he said.

Any time the PM is moving through hallways or buildings, the RCMP secures the premises. “It is standard procedure,” MacDougall said, adding there was a woman’s bathroom outside the main area.

A pregnant reporter also had to wait until she was given the go-ahead by the RCMP that all was clear.