Journalists, opposition decry Tories’ media tactics

Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government has come under fire for the combative tone it’s struck with journalists covering the Ontario legislature.

Rival politicians, members of the media and industry watchers alike all say the obstructive tactics on display from Ford and his cabinet ministers go far beyond the partisan messaging expected in most political environments.

Drowning out reporters’ questions with paid applause and producing government propaganda in the guise of an independent news story, they say, represents a misuse of taxpayers’ dollars and poses a threat to democracy.

The government has said it uses funds from the caucus budget to fund social media accounts operating under the name Ontario News Now, which have delivered two videos so far promoting party messages.

“All of these are moves to obstruct democratic accountability, which undermines good government,” said Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch and a University of Ottawa professor of law and politics. Health Minister Christine Elliott confirmed that Ontario News Now is paid for through the Conservative caucus budget, which is in turn funded by tax revenue.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath described Ontario News Now as inappropriate and disrespectful.

“You’re not allowed to use public dollars for partisan purposes,” Horwath said.

A representative from the Tory caucus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Some reporters expressed their frustration when staffers applauded Lisa MacLeod’s announcement that the government would be scrapping a basic income pilot program, drowning out followup questions.

“Can you please stop clapping,” snapped CTV reporter Colin D’Mello.

Elliott later defended the practice as fair, suggesting staff members were merely showing support.

MacLeod apologized if the applause offended anyone, but two days later referred to media accounts of some of her comments as “fake news” in the legislature.