TORONTO – The results of a CBC/Radio-Canada workplace investigation report into inappropriate behaviour by fired radio host Jian Ghomeshi has led to the dismissal of two senior executives.
Chris Boyce, executive director of radio and audio, and Todd Spencer, executive director of human resources and industrial relations, are no longer with the corporation, according to a note sent to employees Thursday signed by Heather Conway, EVP CBC English Services and Roula Zaarour, VP People and Culture. In the interim, Cindy Witten will continue to lead CBC Radio as will Serena Thadani- Anthony and Ron Ouellette for Human Resources and Industrial Relations respectively, the note continued.
The 56-page report, conducted by employment lawyers Janice Rubin and Parisa Nikfarjam from Rubin Thomlinson LLP, was made public by CBC/Radio-Canada's senior executive team “in the spirit of transparency”. Among its many findings was the conclusion that Ghomeshi’s behaviour was “condoned” by management, and that “CBC failed to live up to its obligations to provide its employees a workplace that is free from disrespectful and abusive behaviour”.
CBC said that it “welcomes” the recommendations and described the report as “the result of a rigorous and impartial review”.
“We accept the general conclusions of the report, though troubling and disappointing; they point to lapses in our systems and concerns about our culture”, the broadcaster said in a statement. “It includes nine recommendations and we will take the necessary steps to implement as many of those as we can, as quickly as possible, in collaboration with our staff and our unions.”
