The head of information and programs at the Radio-Canada station in Quebec, Caroline Gaudreault, has just left her post. This departure comes almost a year after the revelations of a “toxic” work climate within the station.
The director general of regional services at Radio-Canada, Jean-François Rioux, notified the employees Thursday morning. “We are aware that you have experienced some uncertainty in recent days caused by Caroline’s absence. We understand the uncomfortable situation this has caused for you. We appreciate your understanding,” he said in an internal memo obtained by The duty.
This departure comes five months after that of the former director of the capital station, Véronique Lessard, and almost a year after The sun had revealed the existence of a “toxic” work climate within the team for several years. Many employees and ex-employees had testified to having been victims of degrading, denigrating and humiliating remarks.
In the report of the union of workers of Radio-Canada submitted at the time to senior management, several names had been mentioned by the employees of the Quebec station, including those of Véronique Lessard and Caroline Gaudreault.
Faced with these tense labor relations, Radio-Canada initiated a conciliation process in agreement with the union.
“Over the past few months, Caroline [Gaudreault] was heavily involved in the process put in place by the occupational psychologist, Marc-André Verrette, which resulted in recommendations and an action plan. I would like to highlight all the efforts she has devoted to it, ”says Jean-François Rioux in his email sent Thursday.
Ms. Gaudreault was hired by Radio-Canada in 2006 as a journalist-presenter of Téléjournal Midi in Quebec City. She then became head of the radio and web desk, before being named first head of information and programming in 2018.
“It has been a privilege to work with you for the past 15 years at Radio-Canada. I wish you the best for the future, ”she simply said in the note sent to employees.
It is Jonathan Bernard, deputy editor, who will ensure the interim.
Further details will follow.