press freedom

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…