The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) has raised alarm over increasing restrictions placed on journalists by governments, public officials, and political figures across Canada, calling it a "crime against the democratic process."
In recent weeks, multiple journalists have been barred from covering political events, threatened, or faced undue restrictions when attempting to ask politicians questions.
CAJ President Brent Jolly emphasized the significance of press access, stating, "Democratic society is built on the foundation that political leaders are held accountable. Political leaders who try to shirk that fundamental responsibility by evading fair questions from journalists are performing a crime against the democratic process."
One such incident occurred when journalists from the Western Standard were denied entry to a media availability with Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney, despite having received an invitation. It was the second time this year the outlet faced such exclusion.
Similarly, the Canada Press Freedom Project (CPFP) documented restrictions at a federal Conservative rally in Ottawa, where journalists were confined to the back of the room and prevented from interviewing attendees.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also refused to take questions from reporters outside of select approved outlets at a Toronto press conference.
Press restrictions extended to student journalists as well. During election night in Ontario, Progressive Conservative officials demanded that journalism students from Toronto Metropolitan University disclose their voting choices before forcing them to leave party headquarters when they refused.
Jolly pointed out that these incidents, while troubling, are part of a broader trend affecting journalists regardless of political affiliation.
"These events are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg," he said. "What is important to recognize is these are attacks on journalism that transcend political affiliation or ideological belief and are designed to limit the ability of journalists to properly do their jobs."
Beyond event access, governmental obstruction of public information has also worsened.
The CAJ recently called on Nova Scotia’s provincial government to reverse proposed changes to its access-to-information system.
Meanwhile, journalists are still awaiting the release of regulations for Alberta’s Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and the Access to Information Act (ATIA), which will replace the province’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).
The new laws, which received Royal Assent in late 2024, have been criticized by Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner for potentially limiting transparency.
Perhaps most concerning was an incident in February when the RCMP visited the offices of The Ubyssey newspaper, seeking information about the publication’s sources.
The newspaper refused to comply, asserting press freedom. This incident followed an RCMP apology just weeks earlier for violating journalists’ rights in a separate case.
In response to these growing threats, the CAJ encourages journalists facing restrictions to document incidents with the CPFP and reach out to the association for support.
"Freedom of the press is a fundamental right protected by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms," Jolly stressed.
"While a looming federal election will, no doubt, raise many questions about the future of journalism in Canada, it is critical that press freedom be upheld and never be allowed on the ballot."
The CAJ remains committed to advocating for press freedom and supporting journalists nationwide.