Knives out in the 905

And Dunlop blames a staffer

☀️ PROGRAMMING NOTE: I’m taking off for the civic holiday and will be back in your inbox bright and early on Tuesday. Happy long weekend!

MEDIA MELEES

DUMPED BY DUNLOP — Emergency Preparedness Minister JILL DUNLOP is blaming her press secretary — who was promptly turfed — after awkwardly yanking her boss off a live-to-air interview with the CBC.

“I was cut off by a staff member,” Dunlop said, pointing the finger at her ex-staff who has garnered sympathy on social media in spite of her rookie comms faux pas.

“It was a decision that was made by a staff member,” the minister added, though she didn’t clarify if she was actually still on the line while her staffer pulled the plug. “Like I said, it was unfortunate…but you know, I’m not here to discuss HR matters today…I’ve been very clear, I’ve been at the podium every opportunity, I’ve taken all media interviews, and will continue to be very transparent.”

BLOWING SMOKE — Dunlop was up with Natural Resources Minister MIKE HARRIS and (a very …