Public Security Minister Lise Theriault continues to face questions one week after a dramatic prison escape, but she will not answer any more.
Theriault issued a written statement on Friday saying that now Michel Bouchard has been named the head of an inquiry into the escape, she will not make any more comments on the matter.
"I think it is prudent to adopt this attitude, and you will understand that from hereon my answers will be very limited," said Theriault.
On Saturday June 7 a helicopter landed in the courtyard of Orsainville prison near Quebec city and three men, Yves Denis, Denis Lefebvre and Serge Pomerleau, climbed aboard.
They have not been seen since and a world-wide warrant has been issued for their capture.
All three were awaiting trial for murder and several other charges.
In the wake of their escape Theriault has been repeatedly questioned as to how, for the second time in 15 months, prisoners were able to use a helicopter to escape a Quebec prison.
Members of the opposition have criticized Theriault for backtracking and issuing conflicting statements about security information.
Earlier this week Theriault said a judge had lowered security precautions for the three prisoners, but yesterday said it was in fact a prison official who made the decision to allow the men to have access to the courtyard without handcuffs and other restraints, and give one man computer and internet access.
In a radio interview Theriault said one member of her entourage must have "lied" about who had made the decision.
Interim opposition leader Stephane Bedard said this was not acceptable and demanded the minister resign her position, saying she "no longer had any credibility when exercising her duties."
PQ MNA Stephane Bergeron was not satisfied with Theriault's actions.
"She failed in her most basic duty: to reassure people," said Bergeron.
