CTV has announced the termination of its chief news anchor and senior editor, Lisa LaFlamme, leading to nationwide outrage of alleged discrimination against the journalist because of being a woman and her age.

Ms LaFlamme, in a statement, said Bell Media made a “business decision” and ended her 35-year-old career with CTV, saying she was shocked by it.

Since 2011, Ms LaFlamme has anchored CTV National News and has spent over ten years as the news company’s national affairs correspondent.

Karine Moses, senior vice president (Content Development & News) of Bell Media, said the news company wished Ms LaFlamme.

“A trusted broadcaster and distinguished voice in Canadian news, Lisa has been on the front line of the world’s biggest headlines,” Ms Moses said. 

She added, “With an unfailing commitment to delivering the stories that matter most to Canadians as part of Canada’s leading news team, Lisa has deftly guided viewers through both turbulent times and celebration, and we wish her nothing but the best as she begins a new chapter.”

Ms LaFlamme pointed out that the decision was shocking.

“On June 29th, I was informed that Bell Media made a “business decision” to end my contract, bringing to a close my long career with CTV News,” Ms LaFlamme said. “35 years of service – of journalism – of work that I have dedicated my life to – over. I was, and still am, shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision.”

Ms LaFlamme’s dismissal sparked a debate over sexism and ageism in the workplace as she had stopped dyeing her hair and had decided to let it go grey.

In 2020, Ms LaFlamme was praised by women when she stopped dyeing her hair. She explained why she allowed her hair to grey, saying, “I finally said, ‘why bother? I’m going grey.’ Honestly, if I had known the lockdown could be so liberating on that front I would have done it a lot sooner.”

These speculations caused major businesses, like Wendy’s Canada and Dove Canada, to publicly support her and all women through the ageing process.

However, CTV’s parent company Bell Media said that the narrative was incorrect. CEO Mirko Bibic dismissed the claims on LinkedIn.

‘The narrative has been that Lisa’s age, gender or gray hair played into the decision. I am satisfied that this is not the case and wanted to make sure you heard it from me,’ Mr Bibic wrote.