An off-the-cuff remark by the premier is raising questions about public accountability.On Thursday, Premier Doug Ford held a press conference rewarding Mississauga with up to $401 million for reducing housing development charges. The announcement was held without informing reporters. “Thank God we don’t have the media. No questions, no answers, we’re good to go,” Ford said at the end of the announcement, which was streamed on the provincial government’s YouTube channel. When asked why the media was not invited to the announcement, a spokesperson for the premier’s office told CityNews: “Like every government, we communicate different project milestones to the public and to partners in different ways, this includes through formal announcements, photo ops and through social media.” This summer, Ford has been criticized by opposition parties for holding several announcements without inviting the press to ask questions.Thousands of Ontarians head to the polls in by-elections on Thursday, while still more residents are cleaning up after severe storms the ripped through the province. However, reporters were not able to ask Ford about those subjects during his availability.In a post on social media, the premier did address the storm damage, stating the province is in close contact with impacted municipalities as they assess the damage and begin cleanup. “We stand ready to help whatever is needed,” he wrote.