Liberal MPs try to distance themselves from party policy approved Saturday calling for the government to ‘explore options’ for forcing online media to publish material based only on named sources
The Liberals faced a backlash Monday over a policy the party approved at its national convention that critics said could force journalists to reveal confidential sources.
The policy was contained in a resolution drawn up by British Columbia Liberals and put on the convention’s agenda. It was voted on by party members on Saturday, and its approval makes itLiberal MPs sought to distance themselves from the policy on Monday, with several saying it would not become law. News organizations often source information from people whose identities are known to reporters and their editors, but who can’t be named publicly. Frequently this is because the sources are not authorized to speak, or fear retaliation for doing so.“While combatting disinformation is a worthy public policy objective, that particular proposal makes no sense whatsoever,” said Paul Deegan, president and chief executive of News Media Canada, which represents Canada’s news sector.
Cara Faith Zwibel, a spokesperson for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, said the policy, if implemented, “would represent a fundamental shift in Canadian communications.” But Chris Bittle, parliamentary secretary to Mr. Rodriguez, noted in the committee that the motion being Liberal policy does not make it government policy.
“It’s a first step for the government potentially drafting legislation to make this law. That’s a really dangerous space to occupy.”in Canadian politics would not be possible if sources had to be revealed to the government before publication.
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