Poilievre Defends Blocking Journalists on Campaign Plane, Says It’s ‘Refreshing’ to Engage with Local Reporters

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is defending his party’s decision to block national political reporters from travelling on the campaign plane, claiming the move will give more access to local and regional media. The decision, which breaks from long-standing tradition, has drawn criticism from political opponents and media experts who view it as a tactic to limit accountability.

During a campaign stop in Jonquière, Quebec, Poilievre addressed the decision, stating that it would be “refreshing” to engage with reporters who do not regularly cover him. He argued that this approach would foster greater media diversity, especially from regional outlets.

“We will have open media access across the country,” Poilievre said, adding that he is willing to take questions in both English and French. He dismissed concerns that barring journalists from the campaign plane could hinder francophone coverage, asserting that the party’s communications will be bilingual.

In contrast, the Liberal, NDP, and Bloc Québécois campaigns have confirmed they will allow journalists to travel with their leaders. Traditionally, having media on board ensures reporters have direct access to leaders, particularly in remote areas where coverage would otherwise be limited.

Poilievre’s political rivals were quick to criticize the decision. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh accused the Conservative leader of avoiding tough questions.

“You can see the way he acts when he gets asked a question. He gets defensive, he gets offended,” Singh said. “Is that someone you want as prime minister? Someone who’s afraid of questions?”

The Liberals also pounced on the move, with a spokesperson claiming it was an attempt to shield Poilievre from scrutiny.

“Why does Pierre Poilievre’s team feel like they need to hide him from the media and Canadians in the next federal election? He’s the wrong choice at the wrong time,” the spokesperson said.

Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May also weighed in, calling the media ban part of a “pattern of contempt” for the press.

“Democracy cannot function without a free press,” May said. “When political leaders actively avoid scrutiny, it should alarm every Canadian.”

Media experts have warned that restricting journalists from travelling with leaders could limit transparency. Jeffrey Dvorkin, former director of the journalism program at the University of Toronto, described the move as part of a broader effort by politicians to control messaging.

“Politicians in general, and maybe the Conservatives in particular, want to have more control over the message the news media puts out,” Dvorkin said. “This plays into the hands of the control freaks inside the party.”

Despite the backlash, Poilievre remained firm, stating that his campaign would offer reporters remote access via teleconferencing and that journalists have still been able to question him without travelling alongside his team.

The decision marks a departure from previous Conservative campaigns, where journalists paid their own way to travel with leaders such as Stephen Harper, Andrew Scheer, and Erin O’Toole, ensuring regular access to events and voters.