CBC editor reassigned over appropriation flap

— The managing editor of CBC’s “The National” was reassigned Wednesday for what the public broadcaster called “an inappropriate, insensitive and frankly unacceptable tweet” he made as part of a controversial debate over cultural appropriation.

In a memo distributed to staff, CBC News editor-inchief Jennifer McGuire said Steve Ladurantaye will now work on its digital “storytelling strategies” and reach out to Indigenous communities “as part of his learning process.”

Last week, Ladurantaye was among the journalists who engaged in a late-night Twitter conversation that was sparked by a contentious magazine article advocating for more cultural appropriation in Canadian literature.

The opinion piece also suggested there should be an appropriation prize in literature.

Former National Post editor Ken Whyte responded by tweeting he would “donate $500 to the founding of the appropriation prize if someone else wants to organize.”

Ladurantaye replied that he would contribute $100. He later deleted the tweet and apologized.