Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre will skip this weekend’s Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner, his office has confirmed.
The dinner, a gathering of Ottawa media and political figures, is the first in three years after a hiatus due to covid-19. The roast-like event sees politicians and members of the media take the stage to make jokes, often at their own expense.
But Poilievre hasn’t established himself as someone who will have a cozy relationship with Ottawa media, with his recent critiques of the media and his pledge to decrease funding at CBC.
In his first days as the Conservative leader, Poilievre was heckled by press gallery member and Global News reporter David Akin, as he attempted to deliver remarks following a caucus meeting. Since then, Poilievre has not held any more press conferences and has not done any interviews with the media.
Former PM Stephen Harper likewise skipped the annual dinner while in government and was known for having a frosty relationship with media.
Former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer participated in the dinner while he was leader, using the opportunity to make light of his support for dairy supply management.
