Earlier, we reported Times Colonist publisher Bob McKenzie wrote an email to the broadsheet's staffers, apologizing for putting Vivian Smith's column on hiatus. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Smith, who was also a writing coach for the newspaper, responded to the news this way: "I got a call from (the newspaper's editor-in-chief) Lucinda (Chodan) on Friday morning, asking me to consider starting to write my column again. And I said I would do that but I'd like to consider that. I needed to know what their terms were. So I had a short meeting with her on Friday evening during which she assured me that the column could continue on as it had - that I would be able to write with the constraints that would be typical of a newspaper reporter" or columnist - i.e. that it be fair and accurate. "And she did repeat to me that the publisher was not influenced by advertisers. So I heard her out and I told her I would let her know (my decision) by Monday morning."
"Over the weekend, I thought about it. And I decided that I could go back to the column." But, Ms. Smith added, "My concern about going back was that, in the absence of any explanation or credible explanation (as to why my contract was cut short) how could I move forward with the T-C? And if they were going to continue to be publicly silent about the suspension of the column and publicly silent about the return of it, it would be as if nothing had happened. And that would not be acceptable to me."
"But, if they were prepared to give me a reason - and they wouldn't necessarily have to deliver it in a public way because, frankly, they didn't issue a public statement when they let me go and I wouldn't expect them to publicly talk about it - but if I could be public myself about it then that would be acceptable. So that was last night. And this morning, the statement - which I assume you have - came to me and to the staff. And it more than satisfied what I need to return to work as a columnist. And Lucinda and I have agreed separately that we will resume the coaching in some shape or another in the fall...So I'm pleased with this statement. And I am pleased to be able to contribute whatever I can contribute to the readers of the Times Colonist."
The tenative return date for the column is August 20, after Ms. Smith's summer holidays wrap-up. Although, she added, it could end up being a week or two later.
WE are waiting for the T/C to do the right thing. Hopefully soon.
A big thank you to the Butchart Gardens and BC Experience for letting Ms. Smith come back to work :-)
Great work, Sean. That was unrelenting reportage in the interest of journalism itself. Funny it wasn't pursued anywhere else. Or not.
Good work Sean. Had it not been for your efforts then none of this would have come to light.
The reality however is that it was only because the tourist industry was afraid of the black eye the publicity would generate was anything done.
I am afraid that nothing has changed at the TC and if you are not around to cast a light in the shadows then the same process will occur the next time.