(CJFE/IFEX) – The following is a CJFE media release: RCMP Reverses Decision on G8 Accreditation JUNE 26 – Canadian Journalists for Free Expression is pleased that the RCMP has reversed an earlier decision and awarded media-centre access for the G8 Summit to journalist Dan Rubinstein. Rubinstein, news editor for Vue Weekly of Edmonton and contributor […]
(CJFE/IFEX) – The following is a CJFE media release:
RCMP Reverses Decision on G8 Accreditation
JUNE 26 – Canadian Journalists for Free Expression is pleased that the RCMP has reversed an earlier decision and awarded media-centre access for the G8 Summit to journalist Dan Rubinstein.
Rubinstein, news editor for Vue Weekly of Edmonton and contributor to Toronto’s Now Magazine, had been refused accreditation by the national police force. No reason was given.
The Edmonton law firm of Chivers Kanee and Carpenter offered free legal services in the case, which had been highlighted by the CBC, the Globe and Mail and CJFE. The firm prepared the legal work for an injunction that would have forced the RCMP to grant him a pass. But just as legal proceedings were set to get under way in court yesterday, the government abruptly announced Rubinstein would get his pass to the Summit, which opens today.
“We are pleased the government and the RCMP reconsidered,” CJFE Executive Director Joel Ruimy said. “We hope they will think twice in future before denying accreditation to working journalists.”
The RCMP had advised Rubinstein and others in his position to file requests under the Access to Information Act to find out why they had been denied access to the Summit media facility. But the process can take weeks or months; the Summit wraps up this week.
CJFE is a non-profit association of journalists and others who work to promote and defend freedom of expression and a free press in Canada and around the world.
