On today’s broadcast of Metropolis, Montreal’s monthly live political talk show, police tactics against journalists and illegal dumping in Kanesatake are discussed. Award-winning journalist and co-founder of the Rover Christopher Curtis joins host Kalden Rangdröl Dhatsenpa to discuss police intimidation of journalists, “activist” journalism, and the unfolding saga of illegal dumping contaminating soil in Kanesatake.

On July 24th, 2024, the group Last Generation blocked the entrance to the Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau airport to protest government inaction on climate change. While covering the demonstration for Pivot, video journalist Oona Barrett was obstructed by Montreal police from continuing to report and record the action. Police officers made comments questioning Oona’s credibility as a journalist despite her showing her FPJQ pass. This intimidation follows suit months after the SPVM arrested CUTV’s own Savanna Craig, mistaking her presence covering a protest with activism. Curtis rebuffs such conflations by reminding us that many columnists and pundits with mainstream news organizations often push forward their causes and interests; it’s just that those interests might be pushing the status quo, something most independent publishers push to transform.

For the last four years, Curtis has been reporting on the growing problem of illegal dumping in Kanesatake, The Kanienkeha: ka’s north shore reserve. Community members have felt the effects, with rampant reports of headaches and nosebleeds. Curtis details the web of influences and obstacles community members have faced in dealing with these hazardous sites. The main source of the refuse comes from construction sites in the surrounding area. Without the illegal dumping, Curtis believes that construction in the Montréal and Laval areas would come to a standstill.

Tune in for the full discussion.