WPFC condemns the move by the Trump White House to ban the The Associated Press and put the administration in charge of which media outlets will be allowed in the White House press pool.

Extinguishing the role of the independent White House Correspondents’ Association creates an environment that leverages fear and favour over objectivity, oversight, and accountability.

WPFC equally condemns attempts by political parties in Canada to prevent all media from asking questions at their press conferences, for example Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney removing a member of the Alberta Legislature Press Gallery from a Liberal rally during his campaign launch; as well as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre taking questions only from pre-selected media.

The protection of press freedom is essential to ensuring a democratic society where transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas can flourish without fear or undue influence from those in power.