Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 30/99) - While Canadian Heritage continues to look into allegations of political interference and conflict of interest levelled at CBC North's Regional Director Marie Wilson, CBC itself has exonerated Wilson after an internal investigation.

In a letter to Frances Widdowson -- the former NWT resident who filed the complaint with Sheila Copp's office -- vice-president of English Radio, Alex Frame, cited a long-standing policy "dealing with Ms. Wilson's personal relationship and the need to ensure that our journalistic activities are fair and professional at all times."

Frame, who conducted the internal investigation with Harold Redekopp, vice-president of English television, also states that the four-page memorandum agreement, drafted in 1991, "encourages staff to seek alternative journalistic counsel if they feel uncomfortable raising their concerns with the office of the Regional Director."

The five-page letter responds to Widdowson's allegations and mentions of specific occurrences point by point, and seeks to demonstrate that the allegations were not founded in fact.

Nevertheless, as the letter indicates, and with Wilson's encouragement, Frame and Redekopp intend to "reinforce to the staff of CBC North that there are fair and open channels to raise their concerns."

Len Westerberg, media relations at Canadian Heritage, confirmed Tuesday that Widdowson's letter of complaint is currently still under review.

"It's in the normal stream," said Westerberg.

"I just can't tell you how long it will take for a satisfactory answer."

Widdowson is not satisfied with the CBC response.

"There's basically two paths that I'm going to follow, says Widdowson.

"I haven't sent the letter (of response) yet because I'm waiting to see whether I get sent more information from people in Yellowknife."

Widdowson intends to ask for clarification on three issues that she feels were not fully addressed in Frame and Redekopp's investigation.

"The first one is the source of funding for that Nunavut video. He didn't answer that question. And second is CBC's policy on people who have been convicted of spousal assault, especially front-line reporters who basically are seen as being role models in the community."

"The third one is actually concerning CBC's policy regarding the government controlling the media, which seems to have occurred regarding the issue with the hotel bill with regard to some MLA. I'm trying to get more information as well on exactly what transpired there."

Widdowson says her second area of concern is there seems to be no safe way for people who are working at CBC to be able to come forward.

"I have been given a list by a person who sent me some information of people who know what has been going on supposedly. The person who sent me that said that they would be glad to talk to anyone who phone up and asked questions. But of course they don't want to give their names. They just want to be part of the investigation."

Widdowson maintains that CBC North workers are afraid of being reprimanded or having some kind of sanction imposed upon them.