Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan said he was glad to see NDP leader Rachel Notley pledge to avoid questions from the Western Standard. .“As a democratic society, we have to stop playing along with the fiction that outlets like the Western Standard, True North, and Rebel Media are legitimate news outlets,” said McGowan in a Monday tweet. .“They are simply right-wing extremists masquerading as journalists.”.Notley said on Monday the Western Standard is engaging in homophobic, hateful editorial positioning as it relates to some of her caucus members..READ MORE: WATCH: Notley says WS is 'homophobic,' 'hateful'.“And until such time as that is retracted and an apology offered, we will not be answering questions,” said Notley. .“Happy to reconsider that issue should a retraction and apology be offered.”.McGowan said independent media “should be free to continue publishing their nonsense as long as it doesn’t cross the line into illegal hate speech.” He added this does not mean they should be afforded the privileges of other journalists. .He called independent media “a clear and present danger to our democracy.” Despite saying it is news, he said its real goal is to spread misinformation and create winning conditions for right-wing extremists. .McGowan concluded by saying this is not hypothetical. If people need proof, he said they should look across the border at the damage Fox News has done to American democracy. .“These outlets, owned and dominated by billionaires and religious fanatics, are planting the seeds of authoritarianism,” he said. .McGowan verbally attacked Alberta Sovereignty Act (ASA) supporters and gave them the finger during a peaceful protest at the legislature in December. .READ MORE: NDP union boss verbally attacks ASA Smith supporters, gives them finger.He finished giving a speech when he decided to get up in ASA supporters’ faces. Western Standard Edmonton bureau chief Arthur Green attempted to ask him questions, but he responded by telling him to go away. ."F*ck off," he said.
Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan said he was glad to see NDP leader Rachel Notley pledge to avoid questions from the Western Standard. .“As a democratic society, we have to stop playing along with the fiction that outlets like the Western Standard, True North, and Rebel Media are legitimate news outlets,” said McGowan in a Monday tweet. .“They are simply right-wing extremists masquerading as journalists.”.Notley said on Monday the Western Standard is engaging in homophobic, hateful editorial positioning as it relates to some of her caucus members..READ MORE: WATCH: Notley says WS is 'homophobic,' 'hateful'.“And until such time as that is retracted and an apology offered, we will not be answering questions,” said Notley. .“Happy to reconsider that issue should a retraction and apology be offered.”.McGowan said independent media “should be free to continue publishing their nonsense as long as it doesn’t cross the line into illegal hate speech.” He added this does not mean they should be afforded the privileges of other journalists. .He called independent media “a clear and present danger to our democracy.” Despite saying it is news, he said its real goal is to spread misinformation and create winning conditions for right-wing extremists. .McGowan concluded by saying this is not hypothetical. If people need proof, he said they should look across the border at the damage Fox News has done to American democracy. .“These outlets, owned and dominated by billionaires and religious fanatics, are planting the seeds of authoritarianism,” he said. .McGowan verbally attacked Alberta Sovereignty Act (ASA) supporters and gave them the finger during a peaceful protest at the legislature in December. .READ MORE: NDP union boss verbally attacks ASA Smith supporters, gives them finger.He finished giving a speech when he decided to get up in ASA supporters’ faces. Western Standard Edmonton bureau chief Arthur Green attempted to ask him questions, but he responded by telling him to go away. ."F*ck off," he said.
