Christie Blatchford, a powerful public voice through nearly five decades of journalism, has died after being diagnosed with cancer in November.
Christie Mary Blatchford was born in Rouyn-Noranda, a town in northwestern Quebec built around a copper mine, and moved to Toronto when she was in high school, with her parents, Ross and Kathleen, and brother Les. Her father managed the local skating rink, both in Rouyn-Noranda and Toronto, but Blatchford said newspapers were something of a “family business.
In 1977, a copy editor at the Globe made changes and cuts to her sports column without consulting her and the next day she called the rival Toronto Star. She started writing for the Star soon after. Blatchford spent weeks in the mountains of north Kandahar with soldiers who were hunting Taliban groups.
Blatchford connected with people in her stories in unconventional ways. In some cases she would hug them and befriend them beyond the confines of journalism. At one extended trial, a witness became so attached to her he reached out to clasp her hand for support as he nervously walked up the aisle to testify.
“She was a model for knowing how to put your faith in your truths and not worry about the backlash, not worry about how people respond,” said Jen Gerson, a freelance journalist and former Post correspondent. “She was unafraid and unapologetic about her views. It was inspiring for me.” For the Post’s 20th anniversary in 2018, she hosted another large celebration at a Toronto pub, reserved for her for the occasion. People were greeted with liquor shots and food and an open bar, even the single malt Scotch, all of it personally settled by Blatchford in a bill that could have covered a wedding reception.She was an avid runner and climber, fit by most standards, petite, even. But she got it in her head a few years ago she would like to drop a few dress sizes.
I couldn’t think if a more incorrect summation of this person Why not attempt to honour her memory with something other than the complete opposite of what Blatchford did
comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable could have been her motto.............
Rest in peace Christie.
Loved her unapologetically. She will be missed.
Why are you posting a photo with her serving as the voice of perpetrators?
Christie saw that life is rarely black and white. It’s no wonder people who only want someone to agree with them would have problems with her. I for one with miss her point of view.
She will be dearly missed on the journalistic landscape. I loved reading her candid perspective on hot topics. RIP
Sorry to hear this. She was a great writer.
Her 'Fifteen Days' is a must read for any Canadian military buffs. She was a great writer.
One of the few who told it like it was. She will be missed. Journalism is diminished.
What a wonderful reflection. Thank you so very much for doing so.
She was an awesome journalist and reporter. Thoughts to her family and friends.
Some may not miss her as she made them uncomfortable with truth and despised phony sentimentality. She was an example of what good journalist do.
Christie was talented and respected. Loved by many, and left the world too soon.
So sorry for the loss of your dear friend
She was honesty, integrity...and hope.
I can't believe she's gone. Her voice in Canadian journalism will be missed.
With any luck Jordan Peterson will pass soon too. But you all will be mourning him, another utterly abysmal human being, with glowing reviews too when that transpires. Canadian media personalities comprise a grotesque minefield of the privileged raging at the downtrodden.
This verges on straight up lying.
'Tenacious voice for victims' is doing a lot of legwork here
Rest In Peace, dear and favourite journalist, together again with your best canine friend and love.
Au contraire, Ms. Blatchford viciously attacked victims with glee.
japan_johnny How terribly sad
She spoke truth to power. Christie Blatchford was also an advocate for the members of the CAF, especially Army Reservists, she will be missed.
Solid tribute: though not in agreement with one person's 'love or hate' take. One could be a skeptic about tough on crime stances and have a lot of respect for CB's very able reporting.
One of my heroes...gone!! So sad!!
I am broken over Christie's death. Too soon. She will be sorely missed. A real journalist. Not many left around.
She was great at her job. A voice that will definitely be missed. Very sad news.
Such sad news. I looked forward to reading her work. She will be missed.
I'm sorry, she was a WHAT? This is some revisionist history if I ever saw it.
A “tenacious voice for victims”, are you serious You mean like the way she, Christie Blatchford, wrote columns claiming 15 y/o Rehtaeh Parsons wanted to be raped & wrote ridiculous apologist columns for Parsons’ rapists, calling them “brave”
An outstanding journalist and writer. She was a must-read for me. Her clear and brutally honest take on things is needed now more than ever and will be missed. RIP.
We are sorry to hear about the death of Christine Blatchford. We provide support to patients, caregivers and loved ones. HopeUnites
So sorry to hear this - RIP Blatch.
Our condolences to all her family and friends. She wrote with courage,compassion and commitment but moreover honesty. She is and will be missed.
I'm very sorry to learn that Christie has passed away. To all her Family and Friends, please accept my sincerest condolences.
An excellent journalist, I enjoyed reading her perspectives. Flawed as we all are, but a credit to her profession nonetheless. RIP.
A voice of courage and dignity that I wish had been cloned. Sympathy to family, friends, Canada.
Christie Blatchford: A look back at some of her final work at the National Post
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