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Opposition criticizes Montreal mayor for blocking comments on social media accounts

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • September 10, 2024

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante speaks to the media during the federal cabinet retreat in Montreal, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. Montreal's Opposition leader is criticizing Plante for restricting access to her social media accounts. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

MONTREAL -- Montreal's Opposition leader is criticizing Mayor Valerie Plante for restricting access to her social media accounts.

Aref Salem says Plante and her party, Projet Montreal, are limiting Montrealers' freedom of expression by blocking comments on social media platforms X and Instagram.

He says social media is one of the only ways for citizens to interact with the mayor, and restricting comments is undemocratic.

The X accounts of Plante and Projet Montreal restrict who can leave comments, while comments on Plante's Instagram posts are limited and it's not possible to tag her in an Instagram story.

Salem says there's no point in politicians being on social media if they limit their interactions with constituents.

His party, Ensemble Montreal, says there are other ways to reduce online harassment, including by blocking or reporting individual accounts.

Requests for comments from the Plante administration were not immediately returned.

This report by was first published Sept. 10, 2024.