Protect Press Freedom from Government Overreach
Journalist banned from Alberta Health Services properties for one year after asking questions at a public hospital
Independent journalist Mocha Bezirgan went to Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital on March 25, 2026 while working on a story. He asked to speak with a doctor. When he was told the doctor did not wish to speak to him, Bezirgan left.
The Alberta Health Services (AHS) responded by banning Bezirgan from its properties across the province for an entire year, except with advance approval or in an emergency.
To make matters worse, AHS did not even inform him.
Bezirgan only found out about the ban months after it took effect
On July 26, Bezirgan returned to the hospital. While he was still outside, an RCMP officer approached his car and told him that AHS had issued a trespass notice against him.
It was the first time Bezirgan learned he had been banned, and violating the trespass notice could result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
On July 31, CCF Counsel Alexander Surgenor wrote to AHS, calling the ban overbroad and demanding its reversal. AHS refused.
Now, with the support of our donors, the CCF is taking AHS to court.
The CCF has filed for judicial review, asking the court to quash the ban and declare that it violated Bezirgan’s rights under sections 2(b) and 7 of the Charter.
The application argues that excluding a journalist from every AHS property in Alberta for a year is an extreme restriction on freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
The CCF’s application can be read here.
(The CCF has not independently verified Bezirgan’s reporting and takes no position on his allegations.)
Watch the moment Bezirgan learns about the ban from an RCMP officer
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The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) is a national and non-partisan charity. We are dedicated to defending the constitutionally protected rights and freedoms of Canadians, and to maintaining Canada’s constitution, including its federal structure and division of powers, as intended in the Constitution Act, 1867. Our charitable registration number is: 86617 6654 RR0001.
© – Canadian Constitution Foundation – 2026
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