During this period, several media outlets reported being denied access and accreditation to government events, in contrast to the preferential treatment received by official media. In several incidents, journalists were unable to access government buildings and were restricted from asking questions at political events.
While no serious incidents against the work of the press were recorded, the country experienced a decline in the RSF World Press Freedom Index due to some projects that could affect press freedom and government financial support for allied media.
Although the government has invested in mechanisms to fund both public and private media, transparency issues persist. Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, is being criticized by freedom of expression activists, who warn about the potential "chilling effect" on speech that could result from defining what constitutes "harmful online content."
An incident involving journalist Ben Mulroney of Global News raised concerns and debates about journalistic ethics, impartiality, and conflicts of interest. While serving as the interim host of Global News' The West Block, Mulroney, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (1984-1993), hosted an official campaign event for conservative candidate Don Stewart.
