Radio Canada Suspends Journalist Over Antisemitic On-Air Remarks
A major controversy has erupted in Canada after Radio-Canada suspended one of its journalists, Élisa P. Serret, following remarks she made during a live broadcast that were widely condemned as antisemitic.
On September 15, during the Sur le terrain program, Serret, who is based in Washington, was speaking about U.S.-Israel relations with anchor Christian Latreille. In her analysis, she stated that, according to her understanding and some analysts she cited, “it is Israel, actually the Jews, that finance a lot of American politics.” She went on to add that “large cities are run by Jews” and that “Hollywood is run by Jews.” These sweeping statements, which echoed old antisemitic stereotypes, were aired without challenge from the host.
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The next day, Radio-Canada management released a strong statement condemning the remarks. The broadcaster called Serret’s words “unacceptable,” saying they violated the organization’s Journalistic Standards and Practices. It also acknowledged the offense caused to viewers and to Jewish communities in Canada. As a result, Serret was relieved of her duties indefinitely, pending further action.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) quickly weighed in on social media, insisting that Radio-Canada had taken the only proper step by suspending Serret. Eta Yudin, CIJA’s vice-president for Quebec, emphasized that antisemitic rhetoric damages Canada’s democratic values and cannot be ignored. She also pointed out that such language was only able to reach airwaves because of a system that failed to stop it in the first place, calling for deep reflection and systemic change at the broadcaster.
The reaction went beyond advocacy groups. Federal Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault issued his own condemnation, stressing that while government should not interfere in programming decisions, public broadcasters must be held to the highest journalistic standards. He described Serret’s statements as “pernicious antisemitic tropes” and warned of the dangers of normalizing such rhetoric. According to him, journalists and other trusted voices have a responsibility to avoid feeding hatred, and Jewish Canadians deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported.
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the persistence of antisemitism in Canadian society and the role of media institutions in addressing it. While Serret’s comments were quickly disavowed, many are now asking how such remarks could have gone unchallenged on live television, and what steps will be taken to prevent a repeat.
For now, Élisa P. Serret, who has been with Radio-Canada since 2014 and is normally known for her reporting on environmental and climate issues, remains suspended. The broadcaster has promised to reflect seriously on the matter, but the fallout continues, with many in the Jewish community demanding stronger safeguards against hate being given a platform on Canada’s public airwaves.
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