“Weaponizing the law”: Constitutional lawyer slams criminal probe into Juno News
The Canadian Constitution Foundation warns federal investigation into Juno News co-founder Keean Bexte risks suppressing press freedom
Juno News needs you! Learn more about Ottawa’s criminal investigation into our journalism and how you can help fight back at DefendJuno.com.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) warns that a federal investigation into Juno News co-founder Keean Bexte, citing a controversial section of the Canada Elections Act, risks suppressing press freedom.
The CCF challenged the same law in 2021. The Ontario Superior Court struck down the original version of section 91(1), deeming it unconstitutional.
CCF litigation director Christine Van Geyn said she was “disturbed” to learn Elections Canada is investigating Juno News and editor Keean Bexte for reporting on allegations against former Calgary-area Liberal candidate Thomas Keeper.
“I can’t imagine how this offence could be made out by Juno News reporting,” Van Geyn wrote on X, adding the interviews, corroboration and opportunity for response suggested the story met responsible journalistic standards.
”This isn't a criminal offence. Reporting, even if imperfect, should not be targeted by government agencies for sanction like this…This is weaponizing the law to stop journalism that the government doesn't like. I'm concerned it will chill reporting in the future.”
In March, Juno News published interviews with multiple sources alleging misconduct by Liberal candidate Thomas Keeper. Within days, the Liberal Party dropped him from the ballot.
Juno sought comment from both Keeper and the party before publishing.
The Independent Press Gallery of Canada also condemned the probe, calling it “censorship by prosecution” and part of a broader pattern of exclusion of independent outlets during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s campaign.
“Free elections require a free press,” said IPG president Sheila Gunn Reid.
True North journalists are registered members of the Independent Press Gallery.
Bexte has called the investigation an attempt to intimidate independent outlets and criminalize election reporting, pointing to the Ontario court ruling that found section 91(1) overly vague and chilling to free expression.
Juno News needs you! Learn more about Ottawa’s criminal investigation into our journalism and how you can help fight back at DefendJuno.com.
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So sorry Keanen you’re having to deal with this. It’s not fun at all. Chin up and keep fighting and defending your right to practice in your profession.
This exact same thing is happening in the healthcare industry. If you are a regulated healthcare provider and they disapprove of your political views they will weaponize your regulatory college to come after you to attempt to take your license to practice and destroy your business and shut down your bank accounts. Still fighting this one in a counter lawsuit against them whereby they are now being sued by who they attacked for five years right now. Should hit the news soon.
Typical of a government that is swiftly becoming totalitarian and well on its way to dystopia, vilify people because truth is being put out there to drag the rotted ideas out into the light, so sad