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The article never had any allegations of improper conduct.

Why did this all take place?

The Globe reporters asked one simple question. It was sent to the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and it was a request for a confirmation that Irving had been granted the industrial benefit for the french fry factory in Lethbridge, Alta.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development says it has a policy of alerting Irving if journalists are asking questions about the company’s industrial benefits obligations and the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship program.

Department spokesman Hans Parmar stated in an email that Irving was told of the media inquiry as part of the department’s policy to ‘’encourage transparency.’’

He claimed that Irving was not told who the journalists were. However, the Globe confirmed that Bains’ office informed Irving Shipbuilding that it was the Globe and Mail asking the question. That is how the Irving lawyer was able to quickly direct the company’s threat of legal action towards the Globe.

As justification for informing the Irvings about a media question on the Arctic ships, Parmar claimed that such a requirement is in the government’s contract with the firm. However, that contract contains only a general reference to coordinating public communications.

What is unclear is how extensive is the gathering of information on journalists by Bains’ office and the Innovation department?