Alberta’s UCP, NDP Launch Media Access Battles Ahead of Provincial Election

Smith enforces one-question rule, Notley removes independent media journalists from press conference

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley (L) and UCP Leader Danielle Smith. Jason Franson; Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

The Alberta United Conservative Party (UCP) and the Opposition New Democrat Party (NDP) are each suggesting that the other party is dodging media questions ahead of the provincial election on May 29.

Premier Danielle Smith said on April 14 that she would accept just one question from each reporter at news conferences during the campaign period, and the next day added that she would accept just one question in total from any single media outlet at events. She attributed the one-question policy to the election, saying she wants to allow as many reporters as possible to ask questions.