Conservatives Refuse to Speak with CTV Until They Receive “Unambiguous Apology” for Manipulated Poilievre Quote
The Conservative Party has announced that it will not be granting interviews to CTV News or engaging with its parent company Bell Media until the network issues a clear apology for editing a quote from leader Pierre Poilievre in a selective manner.
In a memo dated Sept. 24, Sebastian Skamski, Poilievre’s director of media relations, instructed the Conservative caucus to avoid participating in interviews or providing statements to CTV News and its reporters. They were also advised not to interact with Bell or its lobbyists.
“Until CTV issues a formal and unambiguous apology—one that acknowledges the deliberate nature of their editing and does not simply dismiss it as a mistake or error—we will maintain our stance,” Skamski wrote.
CTV News aired a segment on Sept. 22 regarding Poilievre’s motion of non-confidence in the government. The broadcast portrayed Poilievre’s motion as being related to opposition to dental care, by manipulating footage from a media scrum to suggest Poilievre said things he did not.
An apology was issued by CTV News on Sept. 23, acknowledging that Poilievre’s comment had been misinterpreted in their previous broadcast and clarifying that the non-confidence motion was about various issues, including the carbon tax.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to Poilievre’s remarks about Bell potentially needing a bailout while attending the U.N. General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 24.
Trudeau defended the importance of free and independent media, criticizing politicians who undermine journalists and democracy.
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, responsible for CBC and media programs, also commented on the Conservative Party’s decision to avoid dealing with CTV News.
St-Onge had previously criticized Bell in early 2024 for cutting jobs after receiving regulatory relief from the government.
