Latest news with #AliceMunro
CBC
12-07-2025
- CBC
Her mother stayed with the man who abused her. Today, she helps other victims of childhood sexual assault
WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it. Andrea Skinner, daughter of renowned Canadian author Alice Munro, revealed last summer that she was molested by her stepfather, Gerald Fremlin — and that her late mother remained with Fremlin after he pleaded guilty to indecent assault. The news rocked the literary world. But Robin Heald of Collingwood, Ont., was not among the shocked. That's because, in many ways, her life mirrored Skinner's. Robin's stepfather, Glen Calvin Young, sexually assaulted Robin and her sisters for many years. Unlike Munro's husband, he eventually served time in prison. Robin and one of her sisters, Heather Morrison, maintain a relationship with their mother, Shirley Young, even though she failed to protect them from her husband, and took him back after he served time. Shirley lived with Glen until his death earlier this month. CBC Radio producer John Chipman spoke to the three women about what the sisters went through, Shirley's reasons for staying, and Robin's work to help other survivors of childhood sexual assault. The abuse Shirley had five children — four daughters and a son. Robin, born in 1969, is the youngest. For most of her childhood, the family lived in Smith Falls, Ont., about 78 kilometres southwest of Ottawa. In 1972, when Robin was three, her parents separated and her mother moved them to an apartment. That's when the man who would become their stepfather entered the picture. Robin says the abuse began almost immediately. "I was sexually abused quite significantly for many years." Glen was also abusing her sisters. Robin says it wasn't until 1981 that her eldest sister, Heather, told a relative what was happening. Systemic failures Though the abuse was reported to the local child protection agency, neither Glen nor the kids were removed from the home, and no charges were laid. Instead, Shirley and Glen signed agreements with child protection services. He agreed to "terminate all sexual behaviour" with his stepchildren, while she agreed to report any suspicions of sexual abuse. But little changed. CBC Radio reviewed documents showing that, about two and a half years later, in the presence of a child protection worker and her mother, Robin told a police officer that Glen had been having sexual intercourse with her "once a month" for "a couple of years." CBC Radio contacted the Smiths Falls Police Service to ask why charges weren't laid. In a statement, a spokesperson said the organization was unable to comment due to the historical nature of the case. CBC Radio also contacted Family and Children's Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. An official said the agency couldn't comment for privacy reasons, but did note there have been many changes to child welfare services in Ontario over the past four decades. Heather says there were times the children weren't fully honest with child protection because their mother and stepfather were in the room. "We would just sit there like perfect little puppets because we were more afraid of the repercussions afterwards," she said. Why Shirley didn't leave Shirley says it was financial insecurity that made her stay with Glen, because she felt she couldn't make it on her own and didn't have anywhere else to go. "That was the only excuse I got," she said, noting she'd already had to start over with five children after leaving their father. "I couldn't do it again," she said, "I know it sounds crazy, but it's the only way I could think at the time." Robin says she's come to believe her mother chose to focus on making sure there was food on the table. "In her perspective, that was providing for us, as opposed to protecting," said Robin. "She didn't have the capacity to see that there was a possibility for both." Alice Munro's daughter speaks out about sexual abuse by stepfather 1 year ago Duration 2:36 But there are layers to Shirley's story. She says when she was just three, she was sexually abused by a nine-year-old boy who was a friend of the family. Later, starting when she was nine, she says she was also assaulted by a relative for a number of years. Then there's Shirley's relationship with the father of her children, Charlie Morrison, now deceased. In the late '50s, Shirley's mother got a job as a live-in nanny for the children Morrison had with his first wife. When Shirley was 13, she and her mom moved in with him Morrison was in his late 30s. "A pedophile. That's what he was," Shirley said. "Charlie was messing around with me." The sexual abuse eventually resulted in her becoming pregnant for the first time at age 20. Asked how — given the abuse Shirley endured — she could end up in a relationship with another abuser who caused the same harm to her own daughters, Shirley said she didn't know. "That's the nature of generational trauma," said Robin. "Mom isn't the only woman who has gone from a traumatized childhood to traumatized adult relationship after traumatized adult relationship. And so many never break that cycle." Nazanin Moghadami, a clinical counsellor from Burnaby, B.C., where she runs the Nabat Health Center, says this bears out both in research and what she sees while conducting trauma therapy. People have different responses to violence, says Moghadami. One is to convince themselves the abuse is normal. For instance, if a mother was abused as a child, she may have just tried to tolerate it. Then, later, if her children tell her they've been abused, Moghadami says the question in her mind might be "'Well, why can't you just go about living a normal life and pretend this is not a big deal, because I managed to make this not a big deal.'" Breaking away When she was about 16, Robin says she started dreaming of a future outside her abusive home. With the goal of attending university, Robin started working full time at a donut shop in addition to attending high school. That schedule led to conflict with her mother and stepfather. "They felt that if I was not doing all of my chores every day as expected, that I shouldn't live there," said Robin. Getting kicked out was a turning point, she says. Her school guidance counsellor connected her with a woman who rented rooms and became Robin's mentor. When Robin was in university, she and her sisters decided to go back to the police. This time, Glen was charged with nine sex offences, ranging from gross indecency to sexual assault and sexual intercourse. He cut a deal with the Crown and pleaded guilty to four offences. On April 29, 1991, he was sentenced to two years less a day in prison, plus three years probation. In the weeks before his death on July 1, CBC Radio requested an interview with Glen. He declined. The relationship today While Glen was in prison, Robin and her siblings told their mother she had to choose between them and her husband. When he was released, Shirley chose Glen. Robin says their contact with their mother dropped off to "almost nothing for several years." Among the siblings, only Robin and Heather have a relationship with their mother now, though Robin says they don't go out of their way to see her. When they happen to be in town, they'll take Shirley to her favourite restaurant, Swiss Chalet. Heather describes her relationship with her mother as superficial. "Talking about knitting is a safe subject, and that's probably all I've really chatted with her about over the past five years." Moving forward and breaking the cycle Robin says she's worked hard to build something positive out of her traumas. She's the executive director of the Child Witness Centre, an advocacy and support agency in Kitchener, Ont., which helps kids and their caregivers navigate the criminal justice system and understand their rights. "There's a lot of wait time in this process, and this is the room that's hopefully that comfy, cosy, welcoming place for them to recuperate," said Robin during a tour of the facility. The organization has a therapy dog named Monet and a remote testimony room so children can testify in a space that's less intimidating than court. In her personal life, Robin says she waited to have her children — now 18 and 20 — until she was certain she could break the cycle of abuse and violence. She says she's made it her mission to "make lemonade out of it, for me personally, in victim services and in the life of my family and every future generation of my family to ensure that this cycle of trauma ends." "It absolutely ends with me."
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Sold-Out CJF Awards Night to Recognize Excellence in Canadian Journalism
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) proudly announces that the CJF Awards, its annual recognition of journalistic excellence, will take place before a sold-out audience on June 12. This year's Awards mark the Foundation's 35 th year as a champion of excellence in Canadian journalism. Program highlights include the CJF Tribute, honouring journalist, podcaster, documentary filmmaker and award-winning author Tanya Talaga for her unwavering commitment to Indigenous storytelling and her profound impact on Canadian journalism. The award will be presented by award-winning journalist, author, filmmaker, and podcast host and producer Michelle Shephard. Juno Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and songwriter Aysanabee will make a special appearance to pay tribute to Talaga. In addition, the CJF will honour the Toronto Star with its Special Citation for its groundbreaking investigation into the sexual abuse that Andrea Skinner, daughter of Canadian literary giant Alice Munro, suffered at the hands of Munro's husband, despite Alice Munro's awareness of the abuse. The months-long investigation, reported by Deborah Dundas and Betsy Powell, demonstrated extraordinary courage and sensitivity, illuminating the darkest shadows of human experience. Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of CBC Radio's daily arts, pop culture and entertainment show COMMOTION will host the awards evening at the Royal York Hotel. More than 500 journalists, media executives and business leaders from across Canada are attending to celebrate excellence in Canadian media over the past year. An additional evening highlight will be the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Bob McKeown, in recognition of his decades-long record of excellence in investigative journalism, reporting from more than 60 countries and winning dozens of awards and honours as a reporter, host, producer, writer and documentary filmmaker. Allya Davidson, executive producer of The Fifth Estate will present the award. "For the past 35 years, the CJF celebrated and supported the best in Canadian journalism," notes Natalie Turvey, CJF's President and Executive Director. "This year, we are again thrilled to gather with distinguished guests to pay tribute to excellent journalists and media from across the country, and to honour the essential role that quality journalism plays in a healthy democracy. We couldn't do this without our many supporters, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes our mission possible." In addition to the Tribute and the Lifetime Achievement Award, the following awards will be presented: CJF Award for Climate Solutions Reporting; CJF Dr. Eric Jackman Awards for Excellence in Journalism (large and small media); The CJF Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism; and The Landsberg Award. The CJF will also recognize the recipients of the following fellowships and bursaries: CJF Black Journalism Fellowships Program; CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship; Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award; CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists; William Southam Journalism Fellowships; and The CJF-CP News Creators Fellowships. The CJF gratefully acknowledges the support of CIBC, presenting sponsor of the 2025 CJF Awards. "CIBC is proud to support the Canadian Journalism Foundation and its important work," says CJF Board member Allison Mudge, CIBC Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs. "Journalism plays a vital role in providing facts and information that empower citizens and foster informed communities. We recognize the valuable contributions of journalists and celebrate their dedication to truth, integrity and the pursuit of excellence that defines their work." The CJF also thanks supporters Google News Initiative, Rogers Communications, Labatt Breweries of Canada, McCain Foods, Intact, TD Bank Group, CBC/Radio-Canada, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, CTV News, Canada Life, Sobeys, Scotiabank, RBC, FGS Longview Communications, KPMG, Canadian Bankers Association, WSP, Jackman Foundation, Canadian Medical Association, Accenture, Aga Khan Development Network, Apple Canada News, Bennett Jones LLP, Blakes, Canadian Women's Foundation, CPP Investments, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, OLG, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber, Greenrock Real Estate Advisors, CDPQ, Zai Mamdani/Mamdani Family Foundation, North Horizon, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and Massey College . In-kind sponsorship is provided by Beehive Design, The Canadian Press, Bespoke Audio Visual, MLSE and Porter Airlines. For more information on the June 12 event, visit the CJF Awards site. About the Canadian Journalism Foundation Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, businesspeople, academics, and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training, and research.
Toronto Star
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
As a member of Canada's literary community I mourned Alice Munro's death one year ago. Then revelations from her daughter took me on another journey
In Canada's literary community, few stars shone as brightly as Alice Munro 's. When she passed away one year ago, on May 13, 2024, there was an outpouring of grief as well as appreciation of her legacy from readers, colleagues, academics and media. It seemed the ground shook a little with the passing of Canada's Literature Nobel Laureate. Months later, readers of the Toronto Star witnessed a different kind of response to Munro's legacy, this time from her youngest daughter, Andrea Robin Skinner. We learned that from the age of nine, Andrea had been sexually assaulted by Munro's second husband. And that not only did Munro not protect her daughter, she spent decades covering up his crime and taking his side. With this, the ground not only shook, it opened up and threatened to swallow Munro's legacy whole. Readers asked, how was it possible that an author who was capable of such sensitive and deft portrayals of the 'lives of girls and women', was also capable of such callousness when it came to the suffering of her own daughter? I too was shocked by the revelations. But I did not experience the additional sense of loss that many readers did, because although I respected Munro's achievement, I was not a fan of the work. Up to then, I had been proud of Alice Munro as a Canadian who brought honour to our country, but her stories never did draw me. Despite her powers of often exquisite description, Munro's writing felt to me opaque, as though the stories had been crafted at a remove. They felt thin. The female protagonists often struck me as limp; resigned to what the stories seemed to say was their inevitable grim fate – a doom supposedly all the more plausible for being unremarkable, even banal. I felt as though something were missing; as though my peripheral view were being restricted by literary blinders; as though, as a reader, I were being asked to participate in the characters' passivity. I doubted my own perceptions and, from the time I was seventeen, would return to the stories every few years, thinking that as I became more mature, I might also become more sensitive to what so many readers cherished. I failed. I even felt a bit guilty – like a bad Canadian – for not appreciating the genius of Alice Munro. 'Oh well,' I'd think. 'At least I play hockey.'
Cision Canada
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
CJF Special Citation goes to the Toronto Star
TORONTO, May 2, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) will honour the Toronto Star with its Special Citation for its groundbreaking investigation into the sexual abuse that Andrea Skinner, daughter of Canadian literary giant Alice Munro, suffered at the hands of her stepfather, Munro's husband. The months-long investigation, reported by Deborah Dundas and Betsy Powell, shows extraordinary courage and sensitivity, illuminating the darkest shadows of human experience. The honour, awarded on a discretionary basis by the CJF, will be presented at the annual CJF Awards in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York on June 12. The citation recognizes journalism that serves its highest purposes: giving voice to the voiceless, challenging established power structures and illuminating complex truths that might otherwise remain hidden from public view. Past CJF Special Citation recipients include The Boston Globe, writer Ronan Farrow and editor Martin Baron. "This remarkable work exemplifies the highest ideals of investigative journalism by giving voice to those silenced by power and reputation," says CJF president and executive director Natalie Turvey. "The Toronto Star displayed exceptional institutional courage, mobilizing a comprehensive newsroom-wide effort that unified reporters, editors, designers and digital teams in pursuit of truth with both sensitivity and journalistic rigour." The investigation distinguished itself not merely through excellent reporting, but also through its unwavering commitment to centering the experiences of survivors while examining complex questions of legacy, accountability and healing. In multiple stories confronting how a Nobel laureate's status shielded painful realities from public view, the Star demonstrated that journalistic integrity means pursuing truth regardless of whose reputation may be affected. Skinner's story, as told by the Star, and reported subsequently in outlets across Canada and globally, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, the BBC, The Guardian, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, has changed the conversation on childhood sexual abuse. Countless supporters around the world have held up her account as a cautionary tale, urging any adult who knows a child who has been abused to come forward. The CJF Awards celebrates excellence in journalism by honouring those who have made significant contributions to the profession and by recognizing emerging talent. CIBC is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 CJF Awards. The 2025 CJF Awards are also supported by Google News Initiative, Labatt Breweries of Canada, McCain Foods, Intact, TD Bank Group, CBC/Radio-Canada, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, Canada Life, Sobeys, Scotiabank, RBC, FGS Longview Communications, KPMG, Canadian Bankers Association, Canadian Medical Association, Accenture, Aga Khan Development Network, Apple Canada News, Bennett Jones LLP, Blakes, Canadian Women's Foundation, CPP Investments, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, OLG, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber, WSP. In-kind sponsorship is provided by Beehive Design, The Canadian Press, Bespoke Audio Visual, MLSE and Porter Airlines. About The Canadian Journalism Foundation Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
From Margaret Atwood to Alice Munro: 5 must-read authors from the Land of the Maple Leaf
Authors are often called the voice of a nation — chronicling its struggles, its triumphs, and its evolving identity. Today (April 28), as Canadians head to the polls in a high-stakes election that could reshape the country's leadership and future, it is a fitting moment to pause and reflect on the storytellers who have helped define Canada beyond its politics. Across decades of change, Canadian authors have explored questions of belonging, resilience, justice, and imagination — themes that resonate during a pivotal national moments. Whether through poetry, fiction, or historical reflection, these writers offer insights into the forces that have shaped Canada, and into the possibilities that lie ahead. Here are five Canadian authors whose work deserves attention — today and every day. 1. Margaret Atwood No conversation about Canadian literature can begin without Margaret Atwood. For decades, she has examined power, survival, and the environment — subjects that feel especially urgent in a time of political and social flux. From her dystopian masterpiece The Handmaid's Tale to her intimate portraits of Canadian wilderness in Surfacing, Atwood remains a sharp, essential voice both at home and abroad. 2. Alice Munro Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Alice Munro has spent her career quietly reshaping the possibilities of the short story. Her richly detailed portraits of life in rural Ontario explore small moments of decision, revelation, and resilience. Dear Life is a brilliant entry point into her deeply humane work. The Swedish Academy dubbed her a 'master of the contemporary short story' when it awarded her the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013. 3. Thomas King A master storyteller, Thomas King brings indigenous history, humor, and activism to the forefront of Canadian literature. His novel Green Grass, Running Water weaves traditional storytelling with contemporary satire, offering a reflection on indigenous identity and resilience. 4. Yann Martel With Life of Pi, Yann Martel captured the world's imagination, blending spiritual exploration with a gripping survival story. His work often grapples with faith, hope, and the power of storytelling itself — ideas that take on heightened significance during uncertain times. 5. Dionne Brand One of Canada's most celebrated poets and novelists, Dionne Brand writes passionately about race, migration, and belonging. Her novel What We All Long For explores the dreams and disillusionments of young people in Toronto, offering an unflinching portrait of urban life.
