So the PMPRB is not just a quasi-judicial tribunal. The staff also do research and handle other tasks. I would imagine that there are also operational discussions. So there's a dual mandate.
When you look at the roles and responsibilities of the PMPRB, it's clear that the chairperson needs to have considerable discretion.
The Privy Council guidelines for departments state the following:
Ministers must not intervene, or appear to intervene, with tribunals on any matter requiring a decision in their quasi-judicial capacity, except as permitted by statute.
So they can't appear to intervene on behalf of any person or entity.
Now the minister is responsible for the PMPRB. He has to consult with the chairperson occasionally. There have to be communications from time to time.
Did the executive director ask to communicate with the minister? Did you get wind of that? If so, why did the minister not receive the requests?