The Independent Press Gallery (IPG) condemns the actions of Thomas Keeper, the Liberal candidate in Calgary Confederation, who called the police and made false statements about an independent journalist attempting to ask legitimate questions during the current federal election campaign.
On March 24, Juno News reporter Keean Bexte approached Keeper outside his campaign office to deliver a set of written questions regarding serious allegations. The entire interaction was recorded on hidden camera. The footage shows Bexte remaining calm and professional throughout the exchange.
Despite the peaceful encounter, Keeper called the police and falsely claimed that the journalist had “got physical” with him—an accusation that is completely contradicted by the unedited video evidence. According to Juno News, the police were told this fabrication was the basis for pursuing a restraining order against the reporter.
This is a clear attempt to misuse law enforcement as a tool to silence political scrutiny and chill press freedom. It is unacceptable for any candidate for public office to weaponize false accusations against journalists simply because they do not want to answer uncomfortable questions.
This is part of a growing pattern of hostility toward independent media by Liberal politicians who refuse to engage with reporters outside of the government-subsidized press corps. Journalists have a duty to hold power to account, especially during elections. Politicians who run for office must be prepared to face scrutiny—not call the police when it arrives.
The IPG calls on the Liberal Party of Canada to immediately disavow Thomas Keeper’s actions and to clarify whether this tactic of suppressing journalism is sanctioned by the party.
Sheila Gunn Reid
President, Independent Press Gallery of Canada
