Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe took a unique approach to getting his campaign message out this morning.

After receiving an official endorsement from Quebec's largest union organization, the Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ), Duceppe delivered a 10-minute stump speech before federation members — behind closed doors.

Media were allowed into the meeting room where delegates from all of the FTQ's various sections were meeting. But only to capture images of Duceppe's arrival, and the standing ovation union members offered the Bloc leader. Once the actual speech began, all reporters and TV crews were politely asked to leave the room, and the doors were closed.

A federation spokesperson says their rules stipulate all meetings of the executive board and section leaders are private. Even in the event of a speech by a political party leader during an election campaign.

Bloc personnel did not contest the union's position, underscoring Duceppe's other major appearance today: a speech at the Montreal Board of Trade, which would be open to members of the media.

— Tim Duboyce