Report of the IPG on the arrest of Rebel News Reporter David Menzies

The Independent Press Gallery of Canada (IPG) condemns the arrest of Rebel News reporter David Menzies by Peel Regional Police in the strongest possible terms.

On September 2, 2020, Menzies was questioned and detained by police while on a public sidewalk outside of the Brampton Earnscliffe Recreation Centre.

Menzies was simply there to report on Mayor Patrick Brown's private hockey games and had not broken any laws with his presence.

By sending four police cruisers and numerous officers and security guards to detain Menzies, officials acted with disproportionate force.

Journalists in Canada should not have to fear being thrown into the back of a police cruiser simply for doing their jobs.

The freedom of the press is a foundation of Canada's democratic society, and it must be protected at all costs.

As outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, all Canadians are guaranteed the fundamental freedom of "thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication."

As an organization devoted to protecting independent, non-governmental journalist organizations, the IPG stands against all attempts to threaten, intimidate, or detain members of the media.

Candice Malcolm

President, Independent Press Gallery of Canada