Disappointed by Plan Nord Coverage

I was incredibly disappointed by The Link’s coverage in its Feb. 12 issue of the Salon des ressources naturelles conference and the subsequent Plan Nord protests that took place [“The Upside of Plan Nord” and “The Downside of Plan Nord,” Vol. 33, Iss. 22].

The “Upside of Plan Nord” portion had twice as much text, while the “Downside” relied on photographic sensationalism. The format alone suggests that the Plan Nord is beneficial and that the protestors were few and misguided. Furthermore, the type of information included in both sections further perpetuated this myth.

The “Upside” portion basically served as a platform for the spokespeople of mining companies to spread misinformation about the environmental security and benefits to communities in the North. Meanwhile the “Downside” section stated commonly known facts; it had no depth, no eloquent speakers (and it’s not because they don’t exist).

As someone from Sept-Îles, QC, I am quite frankly appalled that while attempting to provide both sides of the story, your publication actually managed to discredit opposition to the Plan Nord, giving the point to the multi-million dollar corporations that exploit our land, our people, our economy and, apparently, our student media.

—Michelle Moore,
BA Communication and Cultural Studies