No Apples to munch on this time, Pierre?
In an unexpected turn of events, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada’s official Opposition, has tried to position himself as a champion of the free press. However, for those familiar with his track record, this newfound concern for journalistic integrity seems like a calculated move rather than a genuine commitment.
The recent attempt by Poilievre to use the arrest of Rebel Media’s David Menzies as evidence that Justin Trudeau is a threat to journalism in Canada raises eyebrows. This strategic maneuver is particularly audacious coming from someone who has a history of criticizing and challenging the media ever since entering politics, intensifying these attacks after becoming the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC).
Critics argue that Poilievre’s attempt to gaslight the nation into believing he genuinely cares about journalistic integrity and free speech is disingenuous. The leader has been observed clashing with established media outlets like The Canadian Press and the CBC in the past, demonstrating a lack of respect for professional journalism.
Freelance journalist Dale Smith pointed out, “This guy’s wannabe goons tried to have me removed from the press gallery for making a joke about how terrible one of his MP’s questions was, so I don’t think he’s all that concerned about the free press.” Former Global News reporter Rachel Gilmore echoed this sentiment, reminding Poilievre of an entire press release attacking her for asking questions he didn’t like.
Ironically, Poilievre’s own party had Menzies arrested on two separate occasions. One incident occurred during Andrew Scheer’s leadership, and another transpired when Menzies confronted Melissa Lantsman, Poilievre’s current deputy leader, with loaded questions about her sexual orientation in July 2021.
Lantsman responded to the incident, stating, “When Mr. Menzies’ line of questioning became homophobic and related to my sexual orientation, I ended the interview.” She highlighted feeling unsafe and not being the only Conservative with issues regarding Menzies’ reporting style.
While outrage sells and fundraisers flourish, it’s crucial to discern fact from fiction, especially when accusations of state-controlled media and freedom’s demise are hurled. It’s simply untrue to claim the Trudeau government has silenced dissenters – think Postmedia’s firebrand columnists like Lilley and Murphy.
However, a real danger lurks: the weaponization of misinformation. Poilievre’s rhetoric, feeding his base grievances without factual grounding, risks further dividing Canadians. He accuses the PM of division, yet echoes that very behavior.
His “free press” crusade reeks of hypocrisy. Remember Scheer’s “challenge the media” call, praising Post Millennial and True North, known for their Conservative bias, not objectivity? For some, that’s not a bug, it’s a bullhorn amplifying their echo chamber.
If Poilievre truly cared about a free press, he wouldn’t demonize journalists. He’d respect their role, stop personal attacks, and retract defunding threats against the CBC. Yet, these actions remain absent. So, the question remains: does Poilievre want a free press or freedom from scrutiny?
