Instead of presenting the substantive concerns of Canadians and Canadian civil society organizations about CANSEC - that it welcomes international delegations, many of them governments, with well-documented records of human rights violations, and that among the 300+ companies invited to this event are those that contribute to war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Sudan, and beyond - this article unfairly frames opposition to CANSEC as a mere nuisance and traffic disturbance.
To the Canadian Press editorial newsroom and the Halton Hills Today,
I’m writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to express concern about the article titled “Canada's biggest arms expo is booming as Carney prioritizes defence” published today by Halton Hills Today and the Canadian Press.
The article primarily serves to highlight the statements and views of the President of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, which hosts the expo.
After highlighting the anticipated increased attendance figures, touting the Government’s plans to boost the defence sector to unprecedented levels as a means to “shore up the economy,” and pointing out opportunities for “made in Canada branding,” the article goes on to state that “antiwar and pro-Palestinian activists” oppose CANSEC and “can be expected to stage large protests, potentially snarling traffic out to the airport.”
Instead of presenting the substantive concerns of Canadians and Canadian civil society organizations about CANSEC - that it welcomes international delegations, many of them governments, with well-documented records of human rights violations, and that among the 300+ companies invited to this event are those that contribute to war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Sudan, and beyond - this article unfairly frames opposition to CANSEC as a mere nuisance and traffic disturbance.
Reporting on CANSEC should not read like a public relations exercise that only highlights the merits of the current Government’s plan to increase Canadian defence spending and showcase Canadian made technologies.
Reporting that aligns with Canadian Association of Journalists ethics guidelines should educate readers as to the purpose and implications of the expo and present a variety of perspectives. This article fails the reader by not explaining the reasons for the protests, and fails to meet journalistic standards of fairness and balance.
I urge the Canadian Press and Halton Hills Today to correct the article by adding the reasons for opposition to CANSEC accordingly, in order to align with the Canadian Association of Journalists ethics guidelines. I also look forward to more balanced and fair reports on CANSEC as it proceeds today and tomorrow, which adequately demonstrate journalistic skepticism.
Sincerely,
Alison Jenkins