In an open letter published as a two-page ad Saturday in The Globe and Mail, they say Bell Media’s decision to fire the award-winning journalist “in the prime of her career” had a profound effect on everyone. “In making their ‘career decision,’ Bell confirmed a sad truth: even after all the progress women have made, they still face sexism and ageism at work every day in ways that are unacceptable. Period.” CTV executive Michael Melling is taking a leave of absence after Lisa LaFlamme was fired The letter was signed by more than 70 prominent Canadians, including singer Anne Murray, best-selling author Louise Penny, businessman and philanthropist Jim Balsillie and former prime minister Kim Campbell. Ms LaFlamme broke the news of her dismissal in a video she posted on social media about two weeks ago, saying her contract had been terminated for a “professional decision”. Her announcement sparked a wave of public outcry, especially after media reports suggested her decision to go gray during the pandemic had contributed to her dismissal. Ms. LaFlamme has not spoken publicly about her firing since posting the video. The news of Ms. LaFlamme’s departure angered many of her colleagues at CTV News and the general public. Viewers started online petitions calling for Ms. LaFlamme’s return to CTV National News, brands like Dove and Wendy’s launched ad campaigns to support women going gray, and journalists rallied behind her, calling for cultural reforms in Canadian newsrooms. In a letter to top Bell Canada executives earlier this week, CTV News reporters expressed a lack of confidence in leadership, singling out Michael Melling, Bell Media’s vice-president of news, who sources said had fallen out with Ms. LaFlamme in the newsroom. priorities, story coverage and resources. The Globe previously reported that Mr. Melling had allegedly raised questions about Ms. LaFlamme’s decision to gray her hair, which Mr. Melling later told The Globe was “categorically untrue.” Bell Media announced Friday night that Mr. Melling was taking a leave of absence, effective immediately. But Mr. Melling’s departure was unlikely to end calls for Bell to bring back Ms. LaFlamme. “We understand well that mistakes are made by all of us. even very large companies. But we also believe that it is not the mistake that matters, but how we react to that mistake,” the letter published on Saturday said. “Which leads us to where we are today. Belle, what is your plan, what are you going to do, to restore that trust and make things right? What will you do not only for Lisa but for all of us?’ Here is the open letter: Our Morning Update and Afternoon Update newsletters are written by Globe editors, giving you a concise summary of the day’s most important headlines. Sign up today.
