(Toronto) It is during election times like these that the Canadian spirit shines through. Our democracy relies upon a vigorous public debate, the freedom to express one’s beliefs and an independent news media that covers the issues fairly.
What makes our civil society so strong is that we exercise our democratic freedoms in a peaceful manner with respect for human rights and individual dignity.
This week the Toronto Sun fell far short of these cherished Canadian values. It published an editorial cartoon about the Ontario party leaders’ debate that depicted broken eyeglasses, bloodied teeth and a Kathleen Wynne campaign button.
http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/04/june-6-2014
To many people, including me, this editorial cartoon crossed the line of civility and respect that runs through our democratic traditions. Gender-based violence is unacceptable in Canada, and the Ontario Federation of Labour supports the “Step It Up” campaign to end violence against women. The cartoon, whether intentional or not, diminishes or ignores this troubling, pernicious problem.
As President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, I urge the publishers of the Toronto Sun to issue an apology and statement addressing this matter, reassuring readers that they will never see a repeat of this kind of callous disregard for violence against women. I further urge the Toronto Sun to recommit itself to the highest journalistic and democratic standards and the elimination of gender-based violence.
A substantial donation from the Toronto Sun to any one of the many, chronically underfunded shelters for women escaping violence in Toronto would be a very good start.
Sid Ryan
President
Ontario Federation of Labour
