The Media Accountability Project  

"In the final paragraph of the article, the statement refers to 'media reports' connecting a Quebec-based company to the sale of US$61-million in mortar munitions to the United States, which are said to be included in a planned arms transfer to Israel. However, it is important to note that this connection was not based on media reports, but rather on a press release issued by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). I believe the distinction is important to highlight but most importantly to correct as the DSCA's press release serves as an official governmental communication and carries far more weight than a general media report."

"For decades, Palestinians have been under violent occupation, dispossession, and ethnic cleansing by Zionist militias, starting with the Nakba where more than 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their lands. I have serious concerns with The Sudbury Star disregarding the Palestinian narrative and only beginning the timeline from October 7^th."

"Writing “the war between Israel and Hamas” and “since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct.7” is not only an insufficient piece of context, but it’s also not a fair and accurate way to describe the genocide in Gaza."

On March 22, 2023, the Globe and Mail published a letter to the editor by CJPME President Thomas Woodley. Writing in response to an op-ed that argued the NDP’s motion on Palestine was “meaningless,” Woodley argued that “in the convoluted world of Canadian politics” the motion still have significance.

You can read the letter in its entirety here.

"I understand that journalists choose the scope of their piece. What concerns me is that you do include Islamophobia in the scope of your article, but fail to give it near as much attention as antisemitism. I think it is important, at the very least, we hear from people who can speak about Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism."

"I insist that you add, at the very least, elements of context about the situation in Gaza, such as the ICJ ruling, Canada’s obligations under international law, and pro-Palestinian voices, to make your article balanced and for your readers to properly understand why this motion comes at such a pressing time."

"You did not give voice to any Palestinian groups or individuals in Canada. There are many, and if you need help reaching them, my organization would be happy to connect you with some.  As a senior journalist, I should not need to remind you of the importance of seeking the reaction of those most affected by a political development."

While I can sympathize with the horror experienced by the four Canadians you interviewed for this article, good “news” journalism would have taken more care to balance the presentation of reactions to the motion.  As a journalist, it is appropriate to capture the reactions of people who have a personal stake in what happens in Gaza, as you did, for ONE side.

What’s more, the Prime Minister and his cabinet voted in support of a motion that, among other things, agrees to support international legal investigations of Israel and its leaders.  Urback can try to spin it as meaningless, but in the convoluted world of Canadian politics, it’s not!

"It is not the first time that Postmedia has inappropriately labeled opinion as news — it seems to happen far more with Postmedia than any other National NewsMedia Council member outlet that I am aware of. Please take meaningful action to prevent this chronic violation of Canadian journalistic standards."