CAJ: Threatening journalists is a threat to freedom itself

On Friday evening, the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) learned that journalist Rachel Gilmore had recently been approached in public by individuals linked to, or implicated in, an investigation she had written, and was published by The Tyee that focused on white nationalists.

According to a video shared by Gilmore on social media, she was approached by two men connected with white supremacist activities one evening last week while out at a local music venue. In her video, Gilmore states one of the men tried to intimidate her by name-dropping the old gym she used to attend and suggesting they might see her there.

The CAJ is deeply disturbed by the account of the events Gilmore described. Physical, verbal, or other threats against journalists of any kind are violations of press freedom and are completely and utterly unacceptable.

“Public service journalism is a critical component of building robust and resilient democratic societies,” said Brent Jolly, CAJ president. “What happened to Rachel was an abhorrent act of intimidation. Threatening any journalist for reporting fearlessly, and in the public’s interest, is a threat to freedom itself.”

On Friday evening, the CAJ posted a short statement on Bluesky to acknowledge her situation and to refer her to organizational resources, including the CAJ’s Emergency Support Fund and the Canadian News Industry Peer Support program.

Over the weekend, the CAJ has been in touch with Gilmore, The Tyee and other press freedom organizations, including Reporters sans frontières and the Committee to Protect Journalists, to offer support and to discuss ways to ensure she is kept safe and secure.

The CAJ understands Gilmore has filed a police report about the incident. We call on law enforcement to fully investigate this egregious attempt to intimidate a journalist.

Numerous reports produced over the past several years have documented the degree to which hate and harassment against journalists, particularly women journalists and journalists of colour, is on the rise in both Canada and around the world. The CAJ continues to assemble resources to help journalists protect themselves physically and digitally.

If you are a journalist experiencing threats or harassment as a result of your work, please reach out to us at: emergency@caj.ca

The Canadian Association of Journalists is the country’s largest professional organization that serves to advance the interests of journalists from coast to coast to coast. The CAJ’s primary roles are public-interest advocacy work and professional development for its members.

For further information: Brent Jolly, president, Canadian Association of Journalists, brent@caj.ca