Un groupe de
plaignants

M. Michael
Fainstat

The Gazette
[Montréal] et M. Niegel Gibson (journaliste)

M. Mark Farrell
(éditeur, The Gazette [Montréal])

Un article de la
série «Montreal at the Crossroads», publié le 5 mai 1975 par The Gazette sous
la signature du journaliste Niegel Gibson, porte préjudice à la population du
quartier Notre-Dame-de-Grâces de Montréal tant par son contenu que par le ton
adopté. Le journaliste fait preuve de parti pris et accorde un traitement
inéquitable aux différents points de vue qu’il rapporte.

The Council has thoughtfully examined the complaint referred above jointly with some other N.D.G. residents you brought to its attention.

In its study of this case, The Council has contacted the Publisher of The Gazette to obtain his comments and has also read carefully the entire series of articles entilled «Montreal at the Crossroads» published in the Spring 1975 by The Gazette, of which the Niegel Gibson’s article you complained about formed part.

The Council has come to the conclusion that in this article as in the rest of the series, The Gazette did not engage in irresponsible journalism. The Council feels that it is an important function of the press to report all information, positive or negative, and that in borderline cases where provocation might result, the right of the public to know is paramount and must prevail.

The Council also recognizes that the technique of interviews used in the article in question, was clearly described in the preamble, and no attempt was made to portray this as a scientific sampling.

The Council can understand the concern of the citizens who signed the letter of June 10th 1975, and wish to thank them for bringing this matter to its attention.

As your letter specifically requested no further publicity of this question in The Gazette and stated that you were not looking for retraction or redress, the Council will not be is issuing a public communique. The Council is addressing its reply to you, as spokesman for the group, to inform you of its decision in this matter; a copy of this letter is also sent to be Publisher of The Gazette.

• C13A Partialité