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Alert

FPJQ defends journalist's right to free expression

(FPJQ/IFEX) - The FPJQ deplores the fact that Radio-Canada has suspended one of its journalists, Normand Lester, for writing a book titled "Le Livre Noir du Canada anglais" (The Black Book of English Canada). Lester covers international affairs. Radio-Canada maintains he overstepped the corporation's journalistic policy by taking a position on a controversial subject that in this case relates to the history of Canada.




The FPJQ asks that the case be reviewed by Radio-Canada's ombudsman and that the journalist be allowed to return to work until a decision has been reached. The FPJQ does not intervene in cases of workplace relations but feels this case raises serious questions about free expression.

Lester's book takes to task a series of historical vignettes called Heritage Moments that were broadcast on Radio-Canada. Although this fact was not publicised, the vignettes were financed by Canada's Information Office. The vignettes aim to reinforce Canadians' attachment to their country and history. They have been perceived by some as a public relations operation.

Lester's book sets forth a number of other historical facts that are far less glorious than those portrayed in the Heritage Moments. In doing so, he is not attacking Radio-Canada, but rather making a democratic gesture. The FPJQ does not wish to judge the value of the Heritage Moments or the value of Lester's book. Yet it does wish to emphasise that history belongs to everyone and that everyone has the right to study, analyse, comment and interpret it. This is the very essence of public debate.

Although Radio-Canada's journalistic policy sets very high standards, they should not be interpreted in such a way so as to prevent one of its journalists from publishing a book, however controversial. Journalists can participate in public debates and do so frequently, for example, in media forums and during the FPJQ's annual convention.

It is generally accepted that a journalist must remain impartial in the areas that he or she covers, and that he or she must avoid conflicts of interest, especially with regard to political partisanship. Yet in this case, the journalist does not cover issues related to the Canadian constitution, nor does his book portray a partisan political message.

The FPJQ recognises the validity of journalistic policy, yet believes it must not be used to limit free expression. The extent to which a journalist should be able to express his opinions is one of the main questions that should be studied by Radio-Canada's ombudsman. It should also be a subject of reflection for all journalists.