FlamboroughToday received the following letter about coverage of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's recent stop in Burlington.
"Poilievre vows to make Canada 'work for the workers' during Burlington stop" (Nov. 7, by Julie Stack) was embarrassingly one-sided reporting to the point of being propaganda.
The story quoted at length Mr. Poilievre's slogan-filled comments but did not include quotes from people at the event, or additional context about the politics behind Mr. Poilievre's promises that could have balanced the reporting.
Given the prominent advertising on your website from the Ontario Conservative government as well as local conservative MPs and MPPs, the article appears egregiously partisan. "The local crowd cheered wholeheartedly…" is certainly not neutral journalistic coverage of a political campaign stop.
In an era when political discourse is particularly vitriolic and media and misinformation amplify divisions, it is incumbent upon even community journalists to report with higher standards.
As we head into possible federal and provincial elections, the communities you serve need political coverage that does much more than regurgitate political talking points (regardless of party).
Thank you,
Andrew Wahl
Freelton, Ontario
