NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality Leah Gazan said recent attacks on journalists, which stem from misogyny, white supremacy and the rise of right-wing nationalism, must be condemned.."These types of violent occurrences are becoming more violent and frequent. This behaviour must be condemned and it is time we are intentional about naming what is fueling these violent attacks," she said in a press release on Thursday..In the last few weeks, several journalists have received hateful and threatening emails from anonymous right-wing Canadians. Global News' Rachel Gilmore, The Hill Times Erica Ifil, and the Toronto Star's Saba Eitizaz have all been the targets of people displeased with the media's coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and Conservative leadership race..Gazan said the abuse towards journalists are an attack on the "fundamental right" of freedom of the press..“One of the pillars of a functioning democracy is the protection of freedom of the press that ensures journalists have the ability to transparently report on matters of public interest. This includes reporting on stories that hold individuals in positions of power to account," she said..Gazan said the attacks on black, indigenous, and people of colour reporters who are "simply doing their job" are "revolting and scary." She highlighted how one reporter was emailed threats of sexual violence, while another was harassed by someone who allegedly owns guns. ."New Democrats call on all our colleagues in Parliament to stand in solidarity and support the safety of journalists. I also call on the federal government to take steps to act on calls from the Canadian Association of Journalists to respond to these threats and take them seriously," she said..Earlier this months, the Canadian Association of Journalists sent a letter to the Ottawa and Toronto police chiefs with three requests: to establish a process where media organizations can provide summaries of multiple incidents and patterns of abuse; that police provide regular updates on their investigations; and for media outlets to be given a formal role in filing complains on behalf of journalists that are targets of hate..On Wednesday night, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also came out in support of reporters facing harassment.."The pattern of harassment of journalists is incredibly alarming and completely unacceptable," Trudeau Tweeted. "This type of behaviour has no place in our society. No journalist should ever be threatened for doing their job.".Last week, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said online harassment towards reporter is "blatantly unacceptable," and threatens the overall role and independence of the media.."We must therefore redouble our efforts," Mendicino tweeted. "It’s incumbent on government, law enforcement, social media and all of society to ensure that there are appropriate process — and most importantly, accountability — when addressing threats online."
