A few weeks before the start of a provincial election campaign, the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, announced restrictions on the questions that journalists can ask during press conferences.
In a press conference on Friday, the leader of the United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta indicated that she intended to limit members of the media to a single question, without the follow-up which is traditionally granted to them.
When asked about the reasons for this decision, she reportedly replied, “Because it’s an election,” according to The Canadian Press.
The electoral campaign should begin on May 1st and will mainly oppose the PCU to the New Democratic Party (NDP) of the province and its leader Rachel Notley. The latter also quickly reacted to the announcement of her conservative rival, mentioning that she and her party were ready to answer all the questions that would be put to them at a press conference.
“Leaders answer questions – it’s their duty,” the NDP leader said on Twitter. “If Danielle Smith isn’t ready to show off to Albertans, she shouldn’t be premier. Albertans deserve better.”
Additionally, M.me Smith made the announcement at a media event hosted by the Alberta government, not at a party-organized campaign rally.
The former mayor of Calgary and various legal experts also took the opportunity to denounce the decision of Danielle Smith, judging for the most part that it was an undemocratic decision taken by the Prime Minister.
