The Independent Press Gallery of Canada (IPG) condemns Liberal leadership hopeful Mark Carney’s repeated exclusion of independent journalists from his campaign events, this time in Milton and Mississauga. Journalists from Rebel News, along with independent reporter Caryma Sa’d, were denied access while government-funded media were freely admitted.
This is the second time in a week that Carney’s campaign has deliberately blocked independent reporters from covering his events. The pattern is clear: Carney is willing to engage with media only when he can control the narrative.
Journalists serve the public, not politicians. Blocking independent reporters from public events is an attack on press freedom and transparency. Canadians deserve leaders who answer to all journalists, not just those on the government payroll.
The Independent Press Gallery calls on Mark Carney’s campaign to immediately end its discriminatory media policies which run contrary to Canadian values. Those seeking public office should not be allowed to decide which journalists are permitted to report on their events.
Sheila Gunn Reid
President, Independent Press Gallery