INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION
OF JOURNALISTS
Résidence Palace, International Press Center, 155, rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels (Belgium)
E-mail: ifj@ifj.org -- Tel : +32 2 235 22 00 - Fax : +32 2 235 22 19 / http://www.ifj.org
Résidence Palace, International Press Center, 155, rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels (Belgium)
E-mail: ifj@ifj.org -- Tel : +32 2 235 22 00 - Fax : +32 2 235 22 19 / http://www.ifj.org
Brussels, 22 October 2003
From: General Secretary
To: Arnold Amber, TNG Canada
TNG-CWA Local MontrealDear Arnold,
I was so shocked to hear of the death of John Belcarz. His loss is a dreadful blow, not just to his family and to his brothers and sisters throughout TNG-Canada. John's commitment to the values of our movement and the principles of freedom and democracy and media made him friends far beyond the borders of Canada who also share the dismay and sadness of colleagues in Montreal.
Over recent years Montreal has been at the very heart of a struggle for fundamental rights in journalism against the devastating power of ruthless owners who appear to care little for the principles of freedom and democracy which were the driving force of John's unionism. The battles against CanWest and the Montreal local's defence of victimized colleagues illustrate a rare brand of fighting spirit and determination that comes from dedicated and bold leadership.
John's guiding hand was ever present in so much of the work carried out by the Executive Committee of TNG Canada/CWA. And it was much appreciated, too, by the IFJ and your many friends on the international labour scene.
Please convey to Mary and to John's family our condolences and our deepest appreciation of the wonderful contribution John has made to our movement, both at home and abroad. I am so very sorry to hear this news. He will be badly missed, but the spirit of resistance to injustice and unfairness which shaped so much of his work will continue to inspire us.
Kind Regards,
Aidan WHITE
General Secretary