The Counter Signal’s Editor-in-Chief, Keean Bexte, has been granted access to the parliamentary precinct following intervention by a legal representative.
This development comes after it was revealed that Bexte, a member of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada, had been inexplicably barred from entering areas within the Parliamentary precinct. This restriction notably impacted Bexte’s ability to report from the John A. Macdonald building, where Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was scheduled to speak on Monday evening.
Parliamentary sources informed The Counter Signal that Bexte’s access was initially denied without clear explanation, preventing him from covering events and announcements within the precinct.
The initial banning of a journalist happened the same day that it was revealed that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally invited SS Nazi veteran Yaroslav Hunka to the same precinct.
In response to this obstruction, The Counter Signal enlisted a lawyer to address the matter with the Sergeant-at-Arms, Patrick McDonell, the authority responsible for security and access within the parliamentary precinct.
In his response, McDonell said “I would like to confirm that Mr. Bexte will be given access to the Sir John A. MacDonald on February 5, 2024, in order to attend the event hosted in honour of Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith.”
The inquiry also revealed that Bexte had been mysteriously denied entry, though specific reasons or responsible parties were not disclosed.
According to McDonell: “My office will also ensure that a thorough evaluation is undertaken to understand why Mr. Bexte was initially denied access to the Parliamentary Precinct.”
This incident reflects a broader trend of independent media outlets and journalists facing unexplained access restrictions in the nation’s capital. Dacey Media, another independent news organization, has similarly recently been informed of its restricted access to the House of Commons, a place traditionally open to Canadian citizens for observation and participation in democratic processes.
The Counter Signal and affected parties continue to seek clarity and resolution on these access issues.
