Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has defended his party’s decision to bar national political reporters from traveling on the campaign plane, saying it will allow for greater engagement with local journalists instead. The Conservative Party’s move, announced earlier this week, breaks with long-standing election campaign traditions, where national reporters typically accompany party leaders. Instead, Poilievre’s campaign will rely on regional media to cover his events and news conferences.
Speaking in Jonquière, Quebec, Poilievre dismissed concerns that the decision would limit media access, particularly for francophone journalists. He assured that his campaign would maintain open access across the country and continue to provide communications in both official languages.
Poilievre said, It will be refreshing to hear from reporters who aren’t assigned to cover me full-time.
Critics argue that restricting national journalists’ access could hinder transparency and limit the public’s ability to receive consistent coverage of the Conservative campaign. However, Poilievre maintains that the approach will allow for a broader range of voices to be heard during the election.
