Head of Bell: Lisa LaFlamme’s departure is not related to age, gender, or grey hair

Lisa LaFlamme with her award for best National News Anchor at the Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto on March 9, 2014. (Fred Thornhill/The Canadian Press

TORONTO – The head of Bell Media, the parent company to Bell Media claims that Lisa LaFlamme was not affected by her gender, age or grey hair when she decided to terminate her contract.

Mirko bibic is the president and CEO at BCE Inc. & Bell Canada. He believes that removing CTV National News’ long-serving anchor would reflect major changes in traditional Canadian broadcasting.

In a LinkedIn post, he says the days when viewers wait until 11 p.m. to get their news are gone and that change is necessary to ensure Bell Media can provide its journalists with the resources they need across all platforms where news is consumed.

His posting caps an entire week of fallout following LaFlamme’s ouster, which saw Bell Media vice president of news Michael Melling leave his job.

Bibic reports that Melling is under investigation for “various allegations” and has taken leave while awaiting the results of an workplace review.

A list of prominent Canadians sent an open letter Saturday denouncing LaFlamme’s sudden dismissal. It stated that the decision highlighted the ageism and sexism faced by women in work.