Media concentration in Canada is a real problem, but the narrative that “99% of media is conservative-owned” is simply false - we have different ownership patterns with varying editorial perspectives.

The issue isn’t about left vs. right media bias, but about democratic principles: press access is fundamental to accountability, just as proportional representation is fundamental to fair voting. Both are essential democratic pillars that face similar threats from concentrated power that prefers operating without scrutiny.

Let’s focus on the principle rather than the person. Press access to political leaders isn’t a partisan issue - it’s a fundamental democratic requirement for accountability.

This reminds me of how broken electoral systems and restricted press access both erode democratic transparency. When leaders can avoid scrutiny - whether through preventing journalists from traveling with them or through electoral systems that don’t reflect voters’ wishes - our democracy suffers.

A healthy democracy needs both fair representation and transparent leadership.

This is even shadier than PP refusing to get security clearance.

This is part of a clear pattern of avoiding accountability. First refusing security clearance, now blocking press access — both deliberately circumvent transparency mechanisms that are essential to democracy.

In a functioning democracy, leaders face scrutiny. By controlling access to this degree, Poilievre signals that accountability is optional rather than fundamental. Canadians deserve leaders who embrace democratic principles like press access, not those who run from them.