OTTAWA \u2013 The Green Party of Canada reaffirms its commitment to transparency and freedom of the press following the Conservative Party\u2019s decision to exclude journalists from its election campaign trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Conservative Party\u2019s long history of obstructing the free press continues. This pattern of contempt began under Stephen Harper and today it is practised by his prot\u00e9g\u00e9, Pierre Poilievre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis has not been a good week for the press,\u201d said Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault. \u201cAs a former journalist, I\u2019m appalled. A few days ago, the Prime Minister lectured journalists on how to do their jobs, and now the leader of the Official Opposition won\u2019t let them ride the campaign bus. Canadians must wonder what they\u2019re hiding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a time when authoritarianism is rising globally, restricting media access is a troubling sign. Controlling the press is a well-documented tactic used by autocratic leaders to weaken democratic institutions. The Green Party of Canada believes that now, more than ever, political parties must uphold traditions that promote democratic deliberation. Providing journalists with access to campaign events, including transportation on campaign planes and buses, is one such crucial tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDemocracy cannot function without a free press,\u201d said Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May. \u201cWhen political leaders actively avoid scrutiny, it should alarm every Canadian. The Green Party has always been open and accessible to the media, and we will continue to lead by example.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond this immediate concern, Canada faces a systemic problem with its news media landscape. An unhealthy concentration of media ownership has limited the diversity of voices in journalism. That is why Green MPs have long advocated for an independent commission to study media concentration in Canada, compare it to other western nations, and recommend policies to ensure a more independent, diverse, and robust press\u2014particularly for local news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Green Party of Canada will continue to champion a free and unfettered press. As we launch our carbon-neutral campaign, we welcome journalists aboard to ensure Canadians receive fair and accurate reporting throughout the election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#####<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information or to arrange an interview : <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fabrice Lachance Nov\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Press secretary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 514-463-0021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n