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A man accused of hurling violent and offensive language at a CBC News reporter on Calgary’s 17th Avenue Red Mile last month was charged by police as part of a wider crackdown on sexual harassment along the strip.
The CBC Calgary reporter whose interview was interrupted, Meghan Grant, said she was pleased the man was charged under the act, as it was a good alternative to a criminal charge.
“I’m happy with it,” she said, noting the Calgary police told her the offender appeared embarrassed and remorseful.
“I think it sends a message and I’m glad that people are at least starting to be held accountable for doing things like this.”
The same remarks gained national attention over the course of the week after two men, Shawn Simoes and Ryan Hart, interrupted CityNews reporter Shauna Hunt, during a broadcast following a Toronto FC soccer game.
It’s since been reported Simoes has lost his job and both have been banned at all Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment facilities — which owns the Toronto FC — for at least a year.
“There’s a message being sent to them now,” Grant said, of those who think the remarks are funny.
“It’s not just about interrupting a reporter whose trying to get their work done,” she said. “There’s real, very serious undercurrents of sexism here, so I’m glad that the message is being sent that this isn’t being tolerated.”
The act of stunting carries a $402 penalty.
Agencies/Canadajournal
