The Independent Press Gallery of Canada (IPG) strongly condemns Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney’s repeated exclusion of independent journalists from his campaign events.
On January 16, 2025, during Carney’s campaign launch in Edmonton, several independent journalists from True North, The Western Standard, and The Counter Signal, were denied entry despite holding valid invitations. Notably, James Snell, an accredited member of the Alberta Legislative Press Gallery, was among those barred. The police were called to remove these journalists at the campaign’s request.
This troubling trend continued on March 4, 2025, in Calgary, where independent journalists, including those from Western Standard and Rebel News, were again denied entry.
Carney is avoiding journalistic scrutiny, contradicting the principles enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Carney’s refusal to engage with independent journalists contrasts sharply with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s inclusive media approach, which allows both mainstream and independent outlets to attend and question him at public events.
The Independent Press Gallery calls on Mark Carney’s campaign to cease these undemocratic practices immediately and to permit independent journalists to attend, report, and ask questions freely, as is their right in a true democracy. We also urge all political campaigns, regardless of party affiliation, to respect press freedom and ensure open access to their events.
Journalists, whether government-funded or independent, play a crucial role in asking tough questions and holding public figures accountable. Mark Carney’s campaign must address its disturbing efforts to silence critical media voices.
Sheila Gunn Reid
President, Independent Press Gallery of Canada
