BRAVO!

I found this on a blog I've been to here...

Dear RCMP

Earlier in September, the RCMP contacted The Link through an ad sales rep to put a banner ad on our website.

The pitch for the ad read: “Aboriginal Recruitment Campaign.” I told The Link’s business manager to show me the ad. She did. Masthead (the collection of our editors) voted no. I thought that would be it. But today, the RCMP contacted us and asked for an explanation. You will find it below:

To whomever this may concern,

As a member of the alternative press which seeks to promote a space, both physical and media, that is safe and open, The Link maintains the right to refuse ads that meet certain criteria.

Ads that are aggressive, in poor taste, violent or objectifying in tone, or if the content represents or promotes a violation of human rights in any way, as well as all ads from oil and gas industries, and the military and military-related industries are rejected.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police checks many of these boxes. The RCMP’s well publicized mistreatment of Canada’s visible minorities, first nations and journalists made it that hosting this banner on our website would defeat the purpose of the website as a safe space to publish and discuss. Many of our target readers and journalists have been brutalized over the past six months by the RCMP and have seen the integrity of their human rights violated.

Apart from these violations, the RCMP is currently refusing to disclose documents to The Link as well as other media sources across the country, making the production of investigative pieces impossible and making an attempt to keep the RCMP accountable to the public inconceivable.

The Link’s editorial board did not want to be seen or thought to consent with the actions of that body.

Thank you for your understanding,

Justin Giovannetti

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