Stockwell Day lambasted the Liberals and NDP for opposing recently introduced tough-on-crime legislation during a surprise stop at the Conservative Party's North Vancouver campaign office yesterday morning.

But an attempt by The Tyee to speak to North Vancouver Tory candidate Andrew Saxton was denied, suggesting their strong arm approach to crime applies to journalists as well.

Addressing a room full of reporters, the Conservative Minister of Public Safety portrayed his government as a strong lawmaking force that's not afraid to crack down on violent offenders. He pointed to new mandatory jail terms for crimes with firearms and a reverse bail onus that applies to defendants in those cases.

"The Liberals and the NDP say we're trying to cause fear in people's hearts," said Day. "We're not trying to cause fear at all – people who have been attacked know what fear is."

The minister also tried to show a softer side of Tory crime policy, highlighting a $64 million anti-drug strategy that was largely focussed on prevention and treatment measures.

"We believe in the long arm of the law and we also believe in the open arms of the community," he said.

During the press conference, Day applauded Saxton's knowledge of crime related issues in his North Vancouver constituency.

"Andrew, I want to thank you for the input that you've had in terms of our crime agenda," he said.

Unfortunately, when The Tyee tried to interview Saxton about that knowledge and input, campaign manager Marko Dekovic put down his foot.

Dekovic told The Tyee that the Tory candidate had already booked an interview with the North Shore News and had no time to do another. It would be alright to listen in, he said, but not to participate.

The campaign manager later said in a phone interview that Day's press conference was a last-minute affair barely squeezed into Saxton's already tight schedule.

"He had some door knocking scheduled and a coffee meeting with a constituent," said Dekovic.

Geoff Dembicki is a staff reporter for The Hook.