Open letter to Bell says LaFlamme ousting shows sexism and ageism women face at work

TORONTO — An open letter signed by a long list of Canadian luminaries takes aim at Bell Media’s abrupt firing of Lisa LaFlamme as anchor of the company’s flagship newscast.

In a two-page article in today’s Globe and Mail, the missive signed by leading Canadian arts, business and political luminaries — including Margaret Norrie McCain, Anne Murray and Jim Balsillie — states that LaFlamme was a ratings leader for the company « until one thing changed: the color of her hair. »

Letter to board and management of BCE and Bell Canada says ousting of award-winning TV news anchor early in her career highlights sexism and ageism women continue to face in the workplace .

He says the « business decision » to fire LaFlamme has destroyed trust in Bell Media and wonders how the company will « make things right. »

The letter comes a day after a Bell Media executive took time off from work amid the continuing fallout from LaFlamme’s firing.

An internal memo from Bell Media said Friday that vice president of news Michael Melling would immediately take time off to spend time with his family.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on August 27, 2022.

The Canadian Press