CBC Explains Why It Fired Popular Host Jian Ghomeshi

Jian Ghomeshi

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation told employees Friday afternoon that it fired host Jian Ghomeshi as a result of seeing graphic evidence last week that he had caused “physical injury to a woman.”

The Globe reports Heather Conway, the executive vice president of English services, said the CBC had never before been aware “that Jian had engaged in any activities which resulted in the physical injury of another person.” While Mr. Ghomeshi had told CBC management earlier in the year that reporters were “looking into allegations by an ex-girlfriend that he had engaged in non-consensual ‘rough sex,’” he had “firmly denied there was any truth to those allegations.” Executives believed him.

That changed last week when, as reported by The Globe on Thursday, representatives for Mr. Ghomeshi presented CBC executives with texts, emails, and photos of the host’s sexual encounters. Rather than exonerating him, as he had anticipated, the evidence startled managers.

“After viewing this graphic evidence, we determined that Jian’s conduct was a fundamental breach of CBC’s standard of acceptable conduct for any employee. Treating all people with respect, dignity and fairness is fundamental to our relationship with the Canadian public and contributes to a safe and healthy work environment that promotes engagement, openness and transparency,” Ms. Conway explained.

Workmen remove Jian Ghomeshi's photo from CBC Lobby (Canadian Press photo)

In an unusual Note to Canadians posted online Friday evening, CBC/Radio-Canada president Hubert Lacroix said the broadcaster has policies in place “to try to create a safe work environment,” but the case “raises concerns that our systems have not been enough, and that upsets us deeply.”

Note to Canadians 

I'm not sure where to begin. Like you, the unfolding allegations of the past week have left me in shock, sadness, and some anger. 

As you have no doubt heard, since CBC fired radio host Jian Ghomeshi on Sunday, his lawyers have commenced legal proceedings against us. That limits what we have been able to say about the circumstances of his firing, but we will defend our action. In the meantime, there are a few things that are important for me to address. 

I have always been proud of the way we at CBC/Radio-Canada represent Canadian values; the way our airwaves are a platform for the promotion of equal rights, multiculturalism, and respect. We have worked hard to cement those values in the way we operate as an organization, and the way we treat each other. As I told a parliamentary committee last year, we have a robust system of training and policy in place to try to create a safe work environment, and to investigate and respond appropriately if incidents occur. This case raises concerns that our systems have not been enough, and that upsets us deeply. 

I empathize with those who have felt powerless to speak out, or who have tried to speak out and felt ignored. As the father of two young daughters, I share your frustration. 

As you may have heard, we continue to look into allegations of improprieties in the workplace. We will also bring in an outside company with the specific expertise to conduct an independent investigation. We expect that the investigation will allow us to identify improvements that may be necessary to existing systems and assure a healthy work environment. The Executive Vice-President of CBC, Heather Conway, shares my commitment and determination on this. Once the investigation has concluded, we will share the recommendations regarding any improvements to our policies and procedures with our Board, our employees and with Canadians. 

We are very concerned by the additional allegations that have emerged in the media since October 26, and about the impact of these events on our employees and on all Canadians.  We are committed to ensuring a workplace that is free from all forms of violence and harassment.  

CBC/Radio-Canada's values are those of Canadians.  We will live up to those values.