No media allowed at Stephen Harper luncheon in Kelowna next month

KELOWNA – Stephen Harper is coming to town next month for a luncheon and conversation, and while many people will be in attendance, members of the media won't be among them.

The former Prime Minister is visiting Kelowna on Mar. 12 to discuss his recent book and for a community discussion in cooperation with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Chamber spokesperson Caroline Miller confirmed members of the media are not allowed at the event. The Chamber is not currently providing press passes at the event for any reporters. Miller said the decision came from Harper's team who want to keep the luncheon media-free.

Miller said they are still negotiating the point and is hopeful Harper will be accessible after the event.

The media restriction is nothing new for the former Prime Minister, who has barred members of the press from many of his speaking engagements in the past. It isn't his first time in the Central Okanagan. 


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Sean Mott

After spending most of his life on the East Coast and earning a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) degree from the University of King's in Halifax, Sean Mott decided to strike out west to start his reporting career in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He recently moved to Lake Country and he covers everything from crime to local art to everyday absurdities in Kelowna.