Lethbridge Herald journalist Alexandra Noad was denied access to a town hall event held by Alberta premier Danielle Smith in Fort Macleod, Alta.
The premier, several ministers and other MLAs spoke at the town hall, which was held to address public concerns about the government’s plans to expand coal mining in Alberta. Hundreds of people attended the event, which was described by the Canadian Press as “rowdy” and by some attendees as a “gong show.”
Noad was one of several journalists denied access to the event. Organizers told Noad that “the hall was already at capacity and allowing any more inside would violate fire regulations,” reported the Lethbridge Herald.
Two CBC journalists were also denied access, although journalists with CTV, Global, the Canadian Press and Canada’s National Observer, were allowed in after the building was reportedly at capacity, according to CNO.