Thank you for your e-mail to The Canadian Press regarding Tim Cook's coverage of Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's visit to Western Canada.You're right. Tim Cook did not realize that Lonny McKague was the Liberal candidate in the federal riding of Souris/Moose Mountain last year. As you know, he did ask if McKague was a Liberal supporter, so CP was comfortable quoting him in that context. But more to your point: Had we known he had been a candidate, we would either have included that information in the story or perhaps chosen not to use his quotes at all. CP treasures its role as an objective news service. Feedback from readers like you helps us do our job better.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
All the best and, again, thanks for your interest.
Heather Boyd
Bureau Chief, Prairies Region
The Canadian Press
Canada's No. 1 Source for News////////////////////////////
Dear Ms. McMillan,
Thank you for your e-mail regarding Michelle MacAfee's story earlier this week on Stephane Dion and the Wheat Board. You're right - Ms. MacAfee didn't realize that Daryl Knight had been a Liberal campaign manager in the last election. She did ask Mr. Knight if he was a Liberal supporter and he told her only that he had voted Liberal in the last "couple of elections." So she was aware of his political leanings and therefore CP was comfortable quoting him in that context. But more to your point: if we had known he was a campaign manager, we would have either included that information in the story or perhaps we might have chosen not to use his quotes at all. Ms. MacAfee attempted to reach Mr. Knight today to ask him why he didn't elaborate on his connections to the party, but she couldn't reach him. CP believes very strongly in its role as an objective news service. Feedback from readers like you helps us do our job better.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
All the best over the holidays and again, thanks for your interest,
Lorraine Turchansky
Prairies News Editor
Canadian Press and Broadcast News
I get the feeling we haven't seen the end of "Independent Farmers" from the CP.
