Montreal, September 15, 2000 - The Canadian union of Public Employees, which has almost 6,000 members in the communications sector (CBC, TVA, TQS, Global, Radiomd0069a, Tlmd0069a, Radiomutuel, Journal de Qub0065c, NFB, Vidt0072on, Cogeco, and Quebec Telephone) condemns unconditionally the attempt on the life of journalist Michel Auger, and demands that the various levels of government take vigorous action to avoid any repetition of such events.
This is far from a minor news item, what is at stake here is one of the foundation stones of a democratic society, freedom of the press, the freedom to inform without any hindrance of any kind. Public authorities must use everything at their disposal to preserve these freedoms from any threat, from any attempt at intimidation, declared Bernard Chabot, journalist and chairman of the Provincial Council of the CUPE communications sector.
No attempt on life is acceptable, of course, but when such an act is aimed at someone whose job is to communicate clear, complete information to the public, a dangerous line has been crossed, and the reaction must be proportional to the seriousness of such an act, concluded Mr. Chabot.
Source: Canadian Union of Public Employees (QFL)
Information:
Louis Cauchy, (514) 384-9681, ext. 270