In Canada, journalists shouldn’t need to look over their shoulders just for doing their jobs. But that’s exactly what’s happening to Globe and Mail reporter Carrie Tait, who has been the subject of a disturbing online intimidation campaign. An anonymous social media account has posted photos of her taken without her knowledge, tracked her private movements, and implied they will expose her confidential sources.
“These kinds of intimidation tactics have no place in a democratic society,” said Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) president Brent Jolly. “They are assaults on the very foundations of press freedom that are enshrined in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
“Targeting a journalist for simply doing their job is a cowardly act that endangers not only the reporter, but also the vital public interest work that journalism represents. Carrie Tait should be saluted for her work — not spoofed or surveilled.”
As journalists, our job is to hold power to account. Sometimes, that means asking hard questions of people in government. But reporters do not lose their right to safety or dignity when we press “publish.” Surveillance, harassment and public threats are not part of the job description. And when elected officials or their allies stand by while this happens—or worse, amplify it—they send a dangerous message.
Premier Danielle Smith’s office has claimed it has nothing to do with the campaign targeting Tait. Fine. While initially declining to comment, Smith eventually said she condemns what’s happening to Tait and added, “No one should be harassing anybody, and I don’t comment on sock puppet accounts.” That’s not good enough. Smith needs to clearly and publicly tell her supporters to knock it off.
We are calling on the premier to forcefully denounce the harassment of Carrie Tait and instruct her supporters to stop these intimidation tactics.
Tait’s journalism has played an important role in uncovering allegations of political interference at Alberta Health Services. Her reporting has helped bring to light claims that government officials attempted to influence procurement decisions at the agency. Those claims are now being investigated by the RCMP and the province’s Auditor-General.
The CAJ stands with Tait—and with every journalist in this country who refuses to be silenced by threats. The public has a right to know what’s happening in their governments, hospitals, police forces, and corporations. And we will not back down.
Any journalist concerned about their safety should feel free to contact the CAJ president at any time at brent@caj.ca. Journalists may also find value in consulting the CAJ’s resources on digital security, legal advocacy and online harm and harassment.
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
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