NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s refusal to answer questions from Rebel News at last night’s French-language debate is stirring up mixed reactions among Canadians.
With less than two weeks before Canadians head to the polls, Wednesday’s leaders’ debate at CBC/Radio-Canada in Montreal saw plenty of media outlets asking heavy-hitting questions, though not all of them got answers.
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Rebel News reporter Alexandra Lavoie asked Singh to explain his stance on internet censorship against conservative media outlets, to which the NDP leader quickly shut down, emphasizing that he would not answer any questions from the organization.
When Drea Humphrey, another reporter from the same outlet, stepped up to the mic and called for him to condemn hateful attacks on Christians, he replied with, “You know where I’m gonna go with this though, right?” before repeating that he would not answer.
“I’m not going to respond to an organization that promotes misinformation and disinformation like Rebel News,” Singh said.
“Your question is another example of why I don’t respond to agencies like Rebel News,” he added.
The right-wing outlet has frequently faced backlash for its coverage, including claims of spreading misinformation, controversial commentary, and contentious stances on social issues.
Post-debate, Humphrey took to X to express her disappointment in the leader’s response, or lack thereof.
“SHAME,” Humphrey posted. “Mr. ‘Anti-hate’ Jagmeet Singh just called the church burnings spree in Canada ‘misinformation.’”
While some Canadians praised the NDP leader for standing firm against the media outlet, others criticized his actions as undemocratic and dismissive of media freedoms.
“Appreciate Jagmeet Singh standing firm about this,” one user on Reddit said.
“That was great. Well done, sir,” another user wrote.
“She asked a legit question so his response is actually misinformation and disinformation,” an X user wrote.
“Journalists should be curious. And they should make those who want to rule, uncomfortable,” another user said on X.
