An association representing independent media outlets is calling on Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley to commit to allowing independent journalists to cover her campaign events after security removed two journalists from a recent press conference.
In the open letter dated Apr. 19, Independent Press Gallery president and True North journalist Andrew Lawton called on Notley to take a stand for press freedom by ensuring access for all media outlets.
“Independent journalism is vital to a healthy Canadian mediasphere, and reporters should not be blacklisted simply because they don’t work for large government-subsidized media organizations,” wrote Lawton in the letter, which was also signed by representatives of the Western Standard, Rebel News, True North, and the Counter Signal.
“Independent journalists are able to ask questions of politicians that truly hold power to account and inform the Canadian public. You have led Albertans to believe that this is something you value.”
On Monday, Notley had reporters Keean Bexte from The Counter Signal and Rebel News’ Alex Dhaliwal forcefully removed from a presser by private security.
“Fostering a system where politicians can cherry-pick journalists’ questions while blacklisting random outlets is an affront to the basic tenets of democracy, and runs contrary to the expectations that Albertans have for a free press,” wrote Lawton about the incident.
“You have stated on social media that Albertans deserve a leader that takes their questions, and you proudly declared you would take media questions and follow-ups. But your behaviour indicates the opposite.”
Signatories of the letter included True North President Candice Malcolm, Rebel News President Ezra Levant, The Western Standard President Derek Fildebrandt and others.
The IPG was first created in 2020 as an alternative to the government-influenced Parliamentary Press Gallery.
As an organization it advocates for the rights of independent journalists and media outlets.
All True North journalists are accredited with the Independent Press Gallery of Canada.
