ALBERTA – A Federal Court in Canada has overturned a previous ban that would have stopped Rebel News, a right-leaning media outlet, from reporting at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, set for 15-17 June 2025.
This decision, following a quick legal challenge from Rebel News, denies Prime Minister Mark Carney’s move to keep the outlet away from the major global event. Rebel News journalists will now join other media outlets in covering the summit. Full details of the legal case can be found at LetUsReport.com.
The dispute started when Rebel News was refused accreditation to cover the G7 Summit. The event, hosted by Canada, brings together key world leaders such as US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rebel News claimed that the government did not explain the refusal, leading the outlet to accuse Carney’s office of political interference and an attempt to stifle independent reporting. The outlet, known for its outspoken conservative stance, has often criticized Liberal governments, and this case continues a pattern of clashes.
In response, Rebel News filed an emergency case in Federal Court, led by lawyer Sarah Miller. The legal filing argued the ban was an unfair limit on press rights, motivated by “political spite and a thin skin” from Carney.
Rebel News Win
The court agreed to hear the case urgently, which appears to have put pressure on the Prime Minister’s Office. On the night of 14 June 2025, Carney’s legal team told Rebel News they would not fight the lawsuit and would let the outlet attend the summit.
Social media users on X welcomed the decision, saying Carney “backed down the second he realised the courts would actually hear the case—and he’d lose in spectacular fashion”.
Rebel News has faced similar exclusions before. The outlet has accused Carney and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of deliberately sidelining independent media to reduce critical reporting.
Rebel News was kept out of the federal leaders’ debates in 2019, a decision later reversed by the courts. In 2021, another ban was also overturned.
These examples, all detailed at LetUsReport.com, show what Rebel News calls a pattern of censorship by Liberal governments. The site also offers the latest legal filing as a resource for other journalists who encounter similar bans.
Indipendant Media Lockout
Since taking office in March 2025, Carney has faced criticism over his stance on independent media. Critics say his policies tend to help state-funded outlets like CBC, while those with different views, especially conservative ones, are often excluded.
Many saw the attempt to ban Rebel News from the G7 as part of this trend.
In a statement on the Rebel News website, editor-in-chief Ezra Levant called it “the third time a Liberal government has tried to censor us, and it’s more blatant than ever”. Levant argued that Carney’s minority government, which relies on coalition partners, is especially sensitive to tough questions from Rebel News.
The summit, held in the Rocky Mountains near Calgary, is an important meeting for world leaders to discuss major topics like trade, climate, and energy. Carney’s goals for the summit include supporting global peace, tackling foreign threats, and improving wildfire responses.
Yet the debate over media access has attracted attention, with some accusing the government of threatening democratic values. The Federal Court’s decision highlights the role of the courts in defending press rights, a basic part of Canada’s democracy.
The move to allow Rebel News at the summit has started wider discussions on the state of independent reporting in Canada. On X, many users said they were relieved that “Canadians will get real coverage, not just the state-funded MSM”.
Carney Silencing Critics
Critics of Carney’s media policy say it shows an ongoing effort to push aside critical voices. “Carney’s ban was a clear attempt to silence independent journalists who don’t align with his agenda,” said one user, echoing Rebel News supporters.
There has also been debate over Carney inviting leaders like India’s Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the summit, with some Liberal MPs and rights advocates raising concerns about the message this sends.
For some, allowing Rebel News to attend acts as a small but important sign that different views are still part of the conversation. Levant stated, “We’re not here to make friends. We’re here to hold power to account, and this ruling proves we can’t be silenced.”
The legal filing, available at LetUsReport.com, spells out the arguments behind the court’s ruling. It points to the risk of “irreparable harm” if Rebel News misses the summit.
The document also refers to earlier court wins against similar government bans, underlining the outlet’s record of fighting restrictions in court.
As the G7 Summit begins, attention will focus not only on the talks but also on how Canada handles media access in the face of government pressure.
The court’s ruling stands as a reminder that press freedom is still something that must be defended in Canada. For now, Rebel News has secured its place, making sure Canadians can hear more than just official voices from the summit.
