Smart Speakers: Press Gallery Dinner & Workplace Speech Rights

Shane Hewitt is joined by Jamie Ellerton and Lindsay Broadhead to talk about the Ottawa press gallery dinner and Alberta’s proposed “Jordan Peterson law.” They explore the public optics of politicians and the media socializing together, and debate whether employees should be protected from workplace consequences for their political opinions.

Can Free Speech and Professionalism Coexist?
Jordan Peterson’s clash with the College of Psychologists reignited a fierce debate: where does free speech end and professional responsibility begin?

In this charged conversation, Jamie Ellerton and Lindsay Broadhead unpack the implications of Peterson’s conduct, the power of regulatory bodies, and the role of institutions in upholding public trust. From the psychology profession to engineers, doctors, and realtors, what responsibilities do public-facing professionals actually have—and who gets to decide when they’ve crossed a line? With sharp takes and honest disagreement, this episode explores whether Peterson’s punishment was censorship, consequence, or something in between.

Learn what accountability looks like in the age of influence, and why institutional trust may be on the line.

Should Politicians Party with the Press?
When politicians and journalists toast each other over roast jokes, is it democracy in action—or a bad look for public trust?

Jamie Ellerton and Lindsay Broadhead join Shane to dissect the annual Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner. From Pierre Poilievre’s surprisingly funny speech to awkward moments that toe the line, they explore whether this tradition builds connection or erodes credibility. With sharp insight and a few laughs of their own, Jamie and Lindsay break down the optics, purpose, and politics behind the party—and what it says about the changing nature of media and leadership.

Discover why tone, timing, and transparency matter more than ever in a hyper-scrutinized political culture.

GUEST:
Jamie Ellerton
conpatus.com

Lindsay Broadhead
broadheadcomms.ca

Originally aired on 2025-12-03