Why does the government get to decide who is a journalist?
After the three-hour hearing, the judges told us they’d publish their ruling later.
I just got back from three hours at the Federal Court of Appeal. Rebel News was fighting for our right to be accredited journalists under the Liberal journalism licensing scheme, also called “Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization”, or QCJO.
Arrayed against us was a phalanx of government lawyers sent by Mark Carney. Oh yes: he is continuing Justin Trudeau’s policy of restricting journalism from independent voices.
I admit, I was a bit depressed when I recorded that! It’s so frustrating to be in a room where government lawyers are telling a government judge that government bureaucrats get to decide what is or isn’t “real” journalism. By what right?
It was even more frustrating to know that we’re almost alone in this battle — 99% of other journalists accept subsidies from Mark Carney, and are thus completely OK with this regulation regime. And of course the Canadian Association of Journalists is nowhere to be found — they’re too busy counting their government grants from Carney.
Under Trudeau (and now Carney) there are only two types of journalists in Canada: 1. Those paid for by the government; or 2. Those punished by the government. There’s nothing in between.
After the three-hour hearing, the judges told us they’d publish their ruling later. I’m pessimistic, to be honest. But even if we lose, I think we have to keep on fighting — all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, if necessary.
If you believe in fighting for freedom of the press — not just for Rebel News, but for everyone’s benefit — please do me the personal favour of clicking here, or going to www.LetUsReport.com. I haven’t received the legal bill for this hearing, but it will surely be at least $25,000. Unlike the government’s lawyers (who are paid for by taxpayers), we have to pay our own bills. If you believe in what we’re doing, please help out. (Thank you.)
This QCJO business really is the “Get Rebel” bill — I’ve heard two journalists call it that. It’s designed to hurt us, because Trudeau (and now Carney) think we foil some of their worst plans.
I guess I should be flattered by the fact that they hate us — it shows we’re on the right track. I’m just worried that the cost of this litigation will sink us — that’s also their plan. If you can please help me crowdfund the cost, I’d be so grateful. Please click here or go to www.LetUsReport.com — thanks.
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Ezra Levant
Rebel Commander
Ezra Levant is the founder and owner of Rebel News and the host of The Ezra Levant Show. He is the author of multiple best-selling books, including Ethical Oil, The Libranos, China Virus, and most recently, Trudeau's Secret Plan.
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