DECEMBER 2012 - News in review - CBC Learning
DECEMBER 2012 - News in review - CBC Learning
DECEMBER 2012 - News in review - CBC Learning
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>DECEMBER</strong><br />
<strong>2012</strong><br />
EDITION
Credits<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review is produced by <strong>CBC</strong> <strong>News</strong><br />
Resource Guide Writers: Jill Colyer and Jennifer Watt<br />
Host: Michael Serapio<br />
Packag<strong>in</strong>g Producer: Marie-Hélène Savard<br />
Associate Producer: Francyne Dorais<br />
Production Assistant: Carolyn McCarthy<br />
Supervis<strong>in</strong>g Manager: Lara<strong>in</strong>e Bone<br />
Visit us at our Web site at our Web site at http://news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca, where you will f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review <strong>in</strong>dexes and an electronic version of this resource guide. As a companion resource, we<br />
recommend that students and teachers access <strong>CBC</strong> <strong>News</strong> Onl<strong>in</strong>e, a multimedia current news source that is<br />
found on the <strong>CBC</strong>’s home page at www.cbc.ca/news/.<br />
Closed Caption<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review programs are closed captioned. Subscribers may wish to obta<strong>in</strong> decoders and “open”<br />
these captions for the hear<strong>in</strong>g impaired, for English as a Second Language students, or for situations <strong>in</strong><br />
which the additional on-screen pr<strong>in</strong>t component will enhance learn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
<strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g authorizes the reproduction of material conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> this resource guide for educational<br />
purposes. Please identify the source.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review is distributed by:<br />
<strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g, P.O. Box 500, Station A, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5W 1E6 • Tel: (416) 205-6384 •<br />
Toll-free: 1-866-999-3072 • Fax: (416) 205-2376 • E-mail: cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g@cbc.ca • www.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca<br />
Copyright © <strong>2012</strong> Canadian Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g Corporation<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review, December <strong>2012</strong><br />
1. Learn<strong>in</strong>g from the Death of Amanda Todd<br />
(Length: 14:47)<br />
2. U.S. Election: Obama Re-elected<br />
(Length: 16:34)<br />
3. Canada's Spy Story<br />
(Length: 14:51)<br />
4. Truth, Lies and Confessions<br />
(Length: 18:42)
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
CONTENTS<br />
IN THIS ISSUE ..........................................................................................................2<br />
Learn<strong>in</strong>g from the Death of Amanda Todd<br />
SETTING THE STAGE ................................................................................................................................ 4<br />
VIDEO REVIEW ........................................................................................................................................ 6<br />
ACTIVITY: Digg<strong>in</strong>g Deeper ...................................................................................................................... 10<br />
U.S. Election: Obama Re-elected<br />
SETTING THE STAGE .............................................................................................................................. 12<br />
VIDEO REVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 14<br />
ACTIVITY: Weigh<strong>in</strong>g In ........................................................................................................................... 17<br />
Canada's Spy Story<br />
MINDS-ON ACTIVITY .............................................................................................................................. 19<br />
SETTING THE STAGE .............................................................................................................................. 19<br />
ACTIVITY ................................................................................................................................................ 19<br />
VIDEO REVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 20<br />
ACTIVITY: Two Perspectives ................................................................................................................... 22<br />
ACTIVITY: Canada's Intelligence History ................................................................................................. 23<br />
Truth, Lies and Confessions<br />
MINDS-ON ACTIVITY .............................................................................................................................. 25<br />
SETTING THE STAGE .............................................................................................................................. 25<br />
VIDEO REVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 27<br />
ACTIVITY: Primary Source Analysis ......................................................................................................... 29<br />
COMMUNITY CONNECTION ................................................................................................................... 30<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 1
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
IN THIS ISSUE<br />
Learn<strong>in</strong>g from the Death of Amanda Todd (Length: 14:47)<br />
B.C. teenager Amanda Todd was bullied relentlessly for years before choos<strong>in</strong>g to take her own life.<br />
What can we learn from this tragedy, and what must change to stop bully<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review Study Modules<br />
Teen Suicide: Break<strong>in</strong>g the Silence,<br />
November 2011<br />
A New Campaign to Fight Bully<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
December 2010<br />
Teach<strong>in</strong>g Children How to Care,<br />
December 2006<br />
Bullies <strong>in</strong> Schools, September 2001<br />
Reena Virk: A Senseless Death, May 2000<br />
Related <strong>CBC</strong> Videos<br />
#bullyPROOF<br />
Boys Will Be Boys: Sexual Harassment <strong>in</strong><br />
Schools<br />
Bullied, Battered & Bruised + Update<br />
Class Queers<br />
Cyber-Bully<strong>in</strong>g<br />
It's a Girl's World: How Girls Use Their Power to<br />
Hurt Each Other<br />
It's a Teen's World: Wired for Sex, Lies and<br />
Power Trips<br />
Sext up KIDS<br />
U.S. Election: Obama Re-elected (Length: 16:34)<br />
Barack Obama is the President of the United States for another four years after defeat<strong>in</strong>g Republican<br />
challenger Mitt Romney. We <strong>review</strong> the campaign and look at both men's successes and failures.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review Study Modules<br />
The Great U.S. Health Care Debate,<br />
December 2009<br />
Barack Obama Visits Canada, March 2009<br />
Americans Choose a New President,<br />
November 2008<br />
Related <strong>CBC</strong> Videos<br />
Barack Obama: Great Expectations<br />
Meltdown: The Secret History of the Global<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ancial Collapse<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 2
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
Canada's Spy Story (Length: 14:51)<br />
Royal Canadian Navy Sub-Lieutenant Jeffery Paul Delisle has confessed to be<strong>in</strong>g a spy for Russia. We<br />
show what he did, how he managed to get away with it for so long, and what motivated him to betray<br />
his country.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review Study Modules<br />
U.S.-Ch<strong>in</strong>a: The Risks of Spy<strong>in</strong>g, May 2001<br />
CSIS: Spy<strong>in</strong>g on Canada, October 1994<br />
Related <strong>CBC</strong> Videos<br />
Inside CSIS<br />
Spies Who Came from the Sea<br />
Truth, Lies and Confessions (Length: 18:42)<br />
A popular police <strong>in</strong>terrogation method is seen as a success for all the confessions it helps elicit from<br />
suspects. Detractors acknowledge its success but also claim it can pressure people <strong>in</strong>to confess<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
crimes they did not commit.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review Study Modules<br />
Bill C-30 and Internet Privacy, April <strong>2012</strong><br />
Crack<strong>in</strong>g Down on Tasers, February 2008<br />
Polic<strong>in</strong>g and Race <strong>in</strong> Canada, December 2002<br />
Related <strong>CBC</strong> Videos<br />
Best of <strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review: Law<br />
Eyewitness: Unreliable Evidence<br />
Inside the Interrogation Room: Police Tactics<br />
Mounties Under Fire<br />
Steven Truscott: His Word Aga<strong>in</strong>st History<br />
Steven Truscott Story: Moment of Truth<br />
Exercises marked with this symbol <strong>in</strong>dicate that a worksheet to aid <strong>in</strong> the exploration of the<br />
topic is available onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 3
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review – December <strong>2012</strong> – Teacher Resource Guide<br />
LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
SETTING THE STAGE<br />
It is a story that has become all too familiar.<br />
A young woman is a victim of cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Targeted, taunted, mocked and humiliated<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e. And when she goes to school, people<br />
whisper about her, refuse to be friends with<br />
her, and move away from her when she is<br />
eat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the cafeteria.<br />
Note to Teachers and Students<br />
This <strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review story deals with the issues of bully<strong>in</strong>g and suicide. Some of the material is very disturb<strong>in</strong>g, and<br />
it is important to make sure that a safe climate exists <strong>in</strong> the classroom before these issues are explored.<br />
She tried to make a new start a couple of times<br />
— chang<strong>in</strong>g schools <strong>in</strong> an attempt to leave her<br />
past beh<strong>in</strong>d and beg<strong>in</strong> aga<strong>in</strong>. But <strong>in</strong> the world of<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e bully<strong>in</strong>g, it doesn’t matter where you live<br />
because <strong>in</strong>formation travels everywhere.<br />
Students from the previous school tell students<br />
at the new school horrible th<strong>in</strong>gs about her, and<br />
the bully<strong>in</strong>g cont<strong>in</strong>ued.<br />
She was relentlessly bullied for three years. She<br />
became depressed and suffered from anxiety and<br />
panic attacks. On one occasion she tried to kill<br />
herself by dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g bleach.<br />
Her parents were lov<strong>in</strong>g and supportive, and<br />
they did everyth<strong>in</strong>g they could to help her. They<br />
put her <strong>in</strong> counsell<strong>in</strong>g, moved houses to get her<br />
away from local kids who were teas<strong>in</strong>g her,<br />
helped her to switch schools, and at one po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
even moved cities to help her get free of the<br />
bully<strong>in</strong>g. But all these efforts failed to stop the<br />
tide of the abuse.<br />
Eventually, the parents contacted the police for<br />
help <strong>in</strong> identify<strong>in</strong>g her cyber attackers, but this<br />
action came too late. The young woman —<br />
Amanda Todd — had given up all hope of<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g improv<strong>in</strong>g, and she took her own life.<br />
She was 15.<br />
A National Debate is Sparked<br />
Amanda Todd’s suicide on October 10, <strong>2012</strong> set<br />
off a national debate. Not only because it was<br />
another tragic case of a life cut short as a result<br />
of cruel and vicious bully<strong>in</strong>g, but also because<br />
before her suicide Todd had posted a n<strong>in</strong>em<strong>in</strong>ute<br />
YouTube video <strong>in</strong> which she used a<br />
series of flash cards to tell her experience of<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g bullied. After her suicide the video post<br />
went viral, receiv<strong>in</strong>g over 1.5 million views by<br />
October 13, <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
The video was heartbreak<strong>in</strong>g, and served as a<br />
visual suicide note. The video itself generated<br />
discussion and debate, as did the posts that<br />
appeared on YouTube. Some people posted<br />
comments mock<strong>in</strong>g Todd for her feel<strong>in</strong>gs, and<br />
call<strong>in</strong>g her ugly and stupid. Some people even<br />
made fun of her for kill<strong>in</strong>g herself. Some people<br />
4
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
also left horrible comments on her Facebook<br />
page follow<strong>in</strong>g her death.<br />
But on the other hand, an avalanche of support<br />
for Amanda and her family followed her death.<br />
More than a million people have “like” Todd’s<br />
memorial page on Facebook, and tributes have<br />
been held for her across the country. The RCMP<br />
is <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g her death and try<strong>in</strong>g to locate the<br />
key people who bullied Todd. And on October<br />
15, <strong>2012</strong> a motion was <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong> the House<br />
of Commons to put a nationwide anti-bully<strong>in</strong>g<br />
strategy <strong>in</strong> place.<br />
Amanda Todd’s family does not want her short<br />
life and death to have been for noth<strong>in</strong>g. They<br />
To Consider<br />
want Amanda’s YouTube video to be debated <strong>in</strong><br />
schools and at d<strong>in</strong>ner tables, and they want<br />
young people to stop act<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> cruel and hurtful<br />
ways. They believe that the anonymity of the<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternet allows people to engage <strong>in</strong> cruel<br />
behaviour that they would never conduct if they<br />
had to do it to another person’s face.<br />
Although the debate over how to curb<br />
cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g is far from over, it seems clear<br />
that the problem is no longer a secret, and that<br />
those who engage <strong>in</strong> this type of cruel and<br />
shameful behaviour are go<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>d themselves<br />
persecuted if they choose to bully others.<br />
1. Everyone knows how bad it feels to be picked on so why do some kids choose to pick on others?<br />
2. Why didn’t anyone stand up for Amanda Todd? How hard would it have been for someone to be nice<br />
to her, <strong>in</strong>clude her <strong>in</strong> a group, or eat with her at lunch?<br />
3. Take a moment and write a message to her parents shar<strong>in</strong>g your feel<strong>in</strong>gs about their daughter’s<br />
suicide.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 5
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
VIDEO REVIEW<br />
Pre-view<strong>in</strong>g Activity<br />
Organize yourself <strong>in</strong>to small groups and respond to the follow<strong>in</strong>g questions and activities. Be prepared to<br />
share your responses with the rest of the class.<br />
Context<br />
The issue of bully<strong>in</strong>g is not new. Most people can share stories of when they, or someone they<br />
know, was bullied. But cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g — where young people are targeted through Facebook or<br />
other forms of social media — is a relatively new phenomenon. It has only really been an issue<br />
for the past ten years.<br />
1. Is cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g different than “regular” bully<strong>in</strong>g? Expla<strong>in</strong>.<br />
2. Does the fact that cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g occurs onl<strong>in</strong>e and is anonymous make it easier for people to become<br />
bullies? Provide at least one reason for your answer.<br />
3. Why don’t kids who are be<strong>in</strong>g cyberbullied take themselves completely offl<strong>in</strong>e? (For example, delete<br />
their Facebook page, get rid of their smart phone, and not check social media sites.)<br />
4. Make a list of th<strong>in</strong>gs that you th<strong>in</strong>k teachers, other adults, and schools could do to reduce bully<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 6
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
View<strong>in</strong>g Questions<br />
1. Expla<strong>in</strong> what was <strong>in</strong> Amanda Todd’s video.<br />
2. Why do some experts worry that the video might lead to problems for some kids?<br />
3. Why does Professor Hymel, from the University of British Columbia, say that draw<strong>in</strong>g a l<strong>in</strong>e between<br />
bully<strong>in</strong>g and suicide is too simplistic?<br />
4. What disturb<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>g happened to her Facebook page after her death?<br />
5. Why can’t the police do anyth<strong>in</strong>g about the hateful messages be<strong>in</strong>g posted on Amanda Todd’s<br />
memorial page?<br />
6. Where were Amanda Todd’s cyberbullies from?<br />
7. Who is “Anonymous” and what does the group do? What did it do <strong>in</strong> response to Amanda Todd’s<br />
bully<strong>in</strong>g and suicide?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 7
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
8. What is the problem with vigilante justice onl<strong>in</strong>e?<br />
9. Why do some people say that it is easier to bully <strong>in</strong> person than face-to-face?<br />
10. What steps should parents take to help prevent bully<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
11. Record some of the ways that Amanda Todd’s death has been memorialized across the country.<br />
Post-view<strong>in</strong>g Activities<br />
With a partner, or <strong>in</strong> a small group, reflect on the video material and discuss the follow<strong>in</strong>g questions.<br />
1. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k Amanda Todd’s onl<strong>in</strong>e behaviour was outrageous, or fairly “normal”?<br />
2. How do you th<strong>in</strong>k the man that she “flashed” was able to locate her (track her down)?<br />
3. Does it concern you that your onl<strong>in</strong>e actions can be tracked or traced by another person?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 8
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
4. Why do you th<strong>in</strong>k the man decided to harass and victimize Amanda?<br />
5. Why do you th<strong>in</strong>k Amanda’s friends and other kids at the schools she attended jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the bully<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 9
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
ACTIVITY: Digg<strong>in</strong>g Deeper<br />
The life and death of Amanda Todd ga<strong>in</strong>ed widespread media attention. This is because people were<br />
horrified at the extent of the bully<strong>in</strong>g she experienced, as well as the fact that she committed suicide. But<br />
her case also ga<strong>in</strong>ed widespread attention because she chose to chronicle her pa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a YouTube video.<br />
The video — which some people feel was basically an onl<strong>in</strong>e suicide note — has been watched by<br />
millions of people around the world.<br />
Unfortunately, Amanda Todd is not the only young person who has been bullied and has committed<br />
suicide. Review the cases below and complete an organizer <strong>in</strong> your notebook that identifies similarities<br />
and differences between each case and Amanda’s case. These notes will help you complete the discussion<br />
questions at the end of this feature.<br />
For example:<br />
Case<br />
Similarities to<br />
Amanda Todd Story<br />
Jenna Bowers-Bryanton<br />
In January 2011, 15-year-old Jenna Bowers-<br />
Bryanton, from Belmont, Nova Scotia,<br />
committed suicide after be<strong>in</strong>g harassed at school<br />
and through a social network<strong>in</strong>g site.<br />
Jenna was not your typical victim. She was a<br />
talented drama student and s<strong>in</strong>ger. People recall<br />
that “she lit up a room” when she entered it. But<br />
for some reason, she became the target of<br />
bullies.<br />
Girls <strong>in</strong> her class pretended to vomit when she<br />
walked <strong>in</strong>to the classroom. And an older student<br />
slapped her on her first back to school <strong>in</strong> Grade<br />
10. Her mom, Pam Murchison, took immediate<br />
action and pulled her out of school.<br />
What her mother didn’t anticipate was that the<br />
bully<strong>in</strong>g would cont<strong>in</strong>ue to reach Jenna at home<br />
through social media. Jenna received mean<br />
messages via SMS and on forums such as<br />
Formspr<strong>in</strong>g. Jenna’s cyberbullies ridiculed her<br />
Differences from<br />
Amanda Todd Story<br />
looks, her personality, and her s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g ability.<br />
They told her she might as well kill herself.<br />
In January 2011, she took her own life.<br />
Mitchell Wilson<br />
Mitchell Wilson was an 11-year-old boy from<br />
Picker<strong>in</strong>g, Ontario, who suffered from muscular<br />
dystrophy and had to use a walker to get around.<br />
In 2011, two boys beat Mitchell on the street and<br />
stole his iPhone. After the beat<strong>in</strong>g, Mitchell<br />
suffered from depression and anxiety and lived<br />
<strong>in</strong> fear of another attack. One boy was charged<br />
with assault after Mitchell identified him as one<br />
of Mitchell’s attackers. Mitchell was terrified<br />
when he learned he’d have to face his attacker <strong>in</strong><br />
court and testify aga<strong>in</strong>st him. Just before the trial<br />
began, Mitchell took his own life.<br />
Without Mitchell’s testimony, and the ability of<br />
the defense to cross-exam<strong>in</strong>e Mitchell about his<br />
certa<strong>in</strong> identification of the boy, the boy was<br />
found not-guilty.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 10
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — LEARNING FROM THE DEATH OF AMANDA TODD<br />
Your Task<br />
These are difficult stories to th<strong>in</strong>k about. They all <strong>in</strong>volve young people who have been tormented by<br />
other kids, and who have chosen to kill themselves. But it is important to reflect on these stories so that<br />
you can th<strong>in</strong>k about your own life, the lives of your friends, and what these tragedies mean for us as a<br />
society.<br />
With a partner, discuss each of the follow<strong>in</strong>g statements or questions. Record your thoughts <strong>in</strong> your<br />
notebooks. Your teacher may choose to discuss these with the entire class.<br />
Teen girls tend to be bullied <strong>in</strong> a different way. While the bully<strong>in</strong>g of males typically<br />
(1) “ <strong>in</strong>volves physical aggression, girls tend to be the target of social and verbal harassment,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g exclusion or hav<strong>in</strong>g others talk — or <strong>in</strong> many cases now, text — about them<br />
beh<strong>in</strong>d their backs.„<br />
– Shannon Freud, Kids Help Phone (Globe and Mail, October 14, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?<br />
Are we teach<strong>in</strong>g our children through our words and deeds that might does not make<br />
(2) “ right, that steal<strong>in</strong>g is wrong, that one of the bravest th<strong>in</strong>gs a person can do is own up to his<br />
or her mistakes? Tak<strong>in</strong>g the time to learn from this case, and work<strong>in</strong>g together to ensure<br />
that such a tragedy never happens aga<strong>in</strong>, is the least we can do to express our sorrow to the<br />
Wilson family and honour the memory of Mitchell Wilson.„<br />
– Justice Mary Teresa Devl<strong>in</strong>, after acquitt<strong>in</strong>g a 13-year-old boy of beat<strong>in</strong>g Mitchell Wilson<br />
(The Toronto Star, March 5, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?<br />
Cases of suicides l<strong>in</strong>ked to cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g have grown over the past decade, but be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
(3) “ tormented over the Internet is rarely the ma<strong>in</strong> factor <strong>in</strong>volved, a new Canadian study shows.<br />
There have been 41 suicides s<strong>in</strong>ce 2003 <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g cyberbully<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the United States, Canada,<br />
Australia and the United K<strong>in</strong>gdom, but most of the victims were also bullied <strong>in</strong> school and<br />
many suffered from mental illness, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g depression.„<br />
– John C. LeBlanc, a professor at Dalhousie University <strong>in</strong> Halifax<br />
(<strong>CBC</strong> <strong>News</strong>, October 20, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
What po<strong>in</strong>t is Professor LeBlanc try<strong>in</strong>g to make? Do you agree with his argument? Why or why not?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 11
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review – December <strong>2012</strong> – Teacher Resource Guide<br />
U.S. ELECTION: OBAMA RE-ELECTED<br />
SETTING THE STAGE<br />
A YouTube clip of a little girl cry<strong>in</strong>g and say<strong>in</strong>g<br />
she was “tired of Bronco Bamma and Mitt<br />
Romney” captured the sentiments of many<br />
Americans <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>al days before Election Day.<br />
Although election night fell on November 6,<br />
<strong>2012</strong>, the campaign for president began as early<br />
as 2010 <strong>in</strong> the national media, and <strong>in</strong> a concerted<br />
way by both parties <strong>in</strong> 2011. By January <strong>2012</strong><br />
— a full 10 months before election night — over<br />
50 per cent of Americans reported that the<br />
election campaign had already been go<strong>in</strong>g on too<br />
long (Pew Research Center, January 18, <strong>2012</strong>).<br />
Every four years — on the Tuesday after the<br />
first Monday <strong>in</strong> November — Americans go to<br />
the polls to elect their president. Election Day<br />
<strong>2012</strong> saw the Democratic President Barack<br />
Obama square off aga<strong>in</strong> the Republican<br />
candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt<br />
Romney. By all accounts, it was a long and<br />
bitter campaign. Both candidates were <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
<strong>in</strong> negative campaign<strong>in</strong>g — po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g out the<br />
weaknesses of their opponents rather than<br />
focus<strong>in</strong>g on the policy issues at hand — and<br />
both candidates were sometimes defensive,<br />
changed their positions, made exaggerated<br />
statements, and ridiculed the other.<br />
This is not unusual for election campaigns, but<br />
when President Obama was elected <strong>in</strong> 2008 he<br />
had run a fairly clean campaign. One that<br />
focused on hope and change, and the promise<br />
that he could unite Americans from different<br />
political persuasions, and work with politicians<br />
across party l<strong>in</strong>es. So his campaign for the <strong>2012</strong><br />
election stood <strong>in</strong> marked contrast to the 2008<br />
campaign.<br />
But times had changed s<strong>in</strong>ce President Obama<br />
was elected <strong>in</strong> 2008. The President <strong>in</strong>herited a<br />
Check It Out<br />
A YouTube clip of a little girl cry<strong>in</strong>g because she<br />
was sick of hear<strong>in</strong>g about the American election<br />
showed up <strong>in</strong> news broadcasts around the world.<br />
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjrthOPLAKM<br />
three trillion dollar deficit when he took office,<br />
and then had to deal with an economic collapse,<br />
the depth of which had not been seen s<strong>in</strong>ce the<br />
Great Depression of the 1920s. Many of the<br />
promises he’d made <strong>in</strong> 2008 were quickly<br />
overshadowed by the economic crisis.<br />
Despite the extremely difficult f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
situation he faced, President Obama did deliver<br />
on a number of his promises from the 2008<br />
campaign. He <strong>in</strong>troduced a health care reform<br />
bill, withdrew American troops from<br />
Afghanistan, and worked to improve the<br />
reputation of the United States around the world.<br />
Supporters of Republican challenger Mitt<br />
Romney felt that President Obama’s fiscal plan<br />
was flawed. They wanted to reduce taxes to<br />
stimulate the economy, and they argued that<br />
Obama and the Democratic Party were mov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the country <strong>in</strong> a direction that was far too liberal.<br />
12
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — U.S. ELECTION: OBAMA RE-ELECTED<br />
This was because the Democrats support<br />
reproductive choice for women, same-sex<br />
marriage and reform to immigration.<br />
The Republicans, on the other hand, supported<br />
policies that were more socially conservative.<br />
The Republican Party is not pro-choice, and<br />
some of its members hold the position that<br />
abortion should be illegal, even <strong>in</strong> cases where a<br />
woman is raped. They also do not believe <strong>in</strong><br />
same-sex marriage, and some members of the<br />
party believe that homosexuality itself is a s<strong>in</strong>.<br />
They believe that America needs to return to its<br />
roots: a socially conservative country, with less<br />
government.<br />
Although the election result was very close —<br />
too close to call before election night — the<br />
results were very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g. The Republicans<br />
had the most support from white males,<br />
especially those over 30 years of age. The<br />
Democrats had the most support from women,<br />
immigrants, black Americans, and younger<br />
Americans across racial and ethnic l<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
In any event, President Obama was given<br />
another four years to lead the country. And s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
this is his f<strong>in</strong>al term <strong>in</strong> office he will push ahead<br />
with policies to leave the greatest legacy<br />
possible. Already, some people are talk<strong>in</strong>g about<br />
the next election — speculat<strong>in</strong>g that Hillary<br />
Cl<strong>in</strong>ton of the Democratic Party — will run for<br />
president.<br />
Check<strong>in</strong>g Understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1. If you could have voted for the president of the United States, whom would you have voted for?<br />
Why?<br />
2. Which of the two dom<strong>in</strong>ant political parties <strong>in</strong> the United States do you th<strong>in</strong>k most reflects<br />
“Canadian” values? Expla<strong>in</strong> your answer.<br />
3. How would you compare the leadership qualities of Canadian Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister Stephen Harper with<br />
those of U.S. President Barack Obama?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 13
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — U.S. ELECTION: OBAMA RE-ELECTED<br />
VIDEO REVIEW<br />
Pre-view<strong>in</strong>g Activity<br />
Work with a partner to complete the follow<strong>in</strong>g organizer. The organizer is designed to help you<br />
understand some of the differences between the American and Canadian political and electoral systems.<br />
Leader of the country<br />
(Name of position)<br />
Leader of the country<br />
(Name of person)<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> political parties<br />
Political party that is the<br />
most socially conservative<br />
How is the leader of the<br />
country elected?<br />
The name of the lower house<br />
of government<br />
The name of the upper<br />
house of government<br />
How health care is managed<br />
View<strong>in</strong>g Questions<br />
Canada United States<br />
1. Rick Santorum was a candidate for the Republican nom<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> the <strong>2012</strong> U.S. election race.<br />
Identify some of his beliefs.<br />
2. What happened when Santorum withdrew from the nom<strong>in</strong>ation race?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 14
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — U.S. ELECTION: OBAMA RE-ELECTED<br />
3. a) What is President Obama’s position on same-sex marriage?<br />
b) What is Mitt Romney’s position on same-sex marriage?<br />
4. President Obama has always had a great deal of support amongst the Hollywood community and<br />
famous stars. What happened when Mitt Romney tried to use the star power of Cl<strong>in</strong>t Eastwood <strong>in</strong> his<br />
campaign?<br />
5. How did the Republican Party handle the “Cl<strong>in</strong>t-astrophe”?<br />
6. Which of the two candidates was considered to have won the first televised presidential debate?<br />
And why?<br />
7. Who is considered to have won the next two debates?<br />
8. In what ways did Hurricane Sandy help President Obama dur<strong>in</strong>g the campaign? (2)<br />
9. President Obama was re-elected on November 6. What are some of the major impacts that will have<br />
on the United States <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g areas?<br />
a) Taxes<br />
b) Health care<br />
c) The economy<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 15
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — U.S. ELECTION: OBAMA RE-ELECTED<br />
Post-view<strong>in</strong>g Activities<br />
With a partner, or <strong>in</strong> a small group, reflect on the video material<br />
and discuss the follow<strong>in</strong>g questions.<br />
1. American presidential campaigns last for many months and<br />
cost billions of dollars. Canadian election campaigns are not<br />
<strong>in</strong>expensive, but they are not as expensive or as lengthy. Do<br />
you th<strong>in</strong>k there should be limits placed on campaign spend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and extravagance? If so, why and what?<br />
Further Research<br />
Visit the Elections Canada<br />
website at www.elections.ca/<br />
home.aspx to learn more about<br />
the Canadian electoral system.<br />
2. What <strong>in</strong>fluence do televised presidential debates have <strong>in</strong> the United States? How does that compare to<br />
televised leadership debates here <strong>in</strong> Canada?<br />
3. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k Americans are more <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the political process and elections <strong>in</strong> the United States<br />
than we are here <strong>in</strong> Canada? Expla<strong>in</strong> your answer.<br />
4. a) What is one lesson you’d like Canadian politicians to learn from the American style of politics?<br />
b) What is one lesson you’d like American politicians to learn from the Canadian style of politics?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 16
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — U.S. ELECTION: OBAMA RE-ELECTED<br />
ACTIVITY: Weigh<strong>in</strong>g In<br />
Elections <strong>in</strong> countries like Canada and the United States are really a fight for public op<strong>in</strong>ion as much as<br />
they are about anyth<strong>in</strong>g else.<br />
Political parties hire public relations firms to learn how to “sell” their positions to the public. Political<br />
candidates get public speak<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and image makeovers, which <strong>in</strong>cludes tips for how to style their<br />
hair and what glasses and cloth<strong>in</strong>g they should wear. And political parties spend an <strong>in</strong>ord<strong>in</strong>ate amount of<br />
money on media campaigns to conv<strong>in</strong>ce voters that their candidate is the right one, and all other<br />
opponents will be a bad choice.<br />
But when we have a chance to clear away all the media hype and political sp<strong>in</strong>, there are always a number<br />
of very important issues that need to be addressed and discussed dur<strong>in</strong>g an election campaign.<br />
Your Task<br />
Below and on the follow<strong>in</strong>g page you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d a number of quotes. Read each quote, and write a response<br />
to each <strong>in</strong> your notebook.<br />
1. Comment on the extent to which you agree or disagree with each quote. Make sure you expla<strong>in</strong> your<br />
position on each quote.<br />
2. When you are f<strong>in</strong>ished evaluat<strong>in</strong>g each quote, write a conclud<strong>in</strong>g statement that sums up your overall<br />
op<strong>in</strong>ion of the <strong>2012</strong> presidential election <strong>in</strong> the United States. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k the right person won?<br />
“ America’s chang<strong>in</strong>g. I’m call<strong>in</strong>g it<br />
‘Obamerica.’ It’s a different place. It’s much<br />
more multicultural, much more diverse, a<br />
much more open, tolerant place. It’s also a<br />
place that doesn’t quite know where its soul<br />
is at.„<br />
– Gil Troy, history professor at McGill University<br />
(<strong>CBC</strong> <strong>News</strong>, November 7, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
“ It’s been dreadful — <strong>in</strong> many ways the<br />
worse campaign I’ve ever lived through. We<br />
saw two honourable men absolutely pollute<br />
themselves <strong>in</strong> desperation to be president or<br />
rema<strong>in</strong> president. Two serious, <strong>in</strong>telligent,<br />
previously honourable men who told<br />
untruths, changed their positions, refused to<br />
talk about many of the most serious issues<br />
we face . . .„<br />
– Stephen Hess, presidential scholar, The Brook<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Institution (Toronto Star, November 3, <strong>2012</strong>).<br />
“ It is not easy to feel sorry for Mitt Romney…<br />
he looks too comfortably well off, his sk<strong>in</strong><br />
too sh<strong>in</strong>y and tanned, his hair too<br />
expensively cut, his jeans too well pressed.<br />
He estimates his personal wealth at<br />
somewhere between $210m and $250m.<br />
When you don’t know how rich you are to<br />
the nearest $40m, it must be hard to relate<br />
to people who know exactly how little there<br />
is <strong>in</strong> their pay packets.„<br />
– Nicholas Wapshott, New Statesman, June 11, <strong>2012</strong><br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 17
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — U.S. ELECTION: OBAMA RE-ELECTED<br />
“ Obama’s re-election to another four-year<br />
term should guarantee the future of his<br />
signature legislative achievement, a health<br />
care overhaul…. Internationally, it means the<br />
United States is likely to cont<strong>in</strong>ue a foreign<br />
policy emphasiz<strong>in</strong>g mult<strong>in</strong>ational<br />
partnerships <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g with issues such as<br />
Syria's civil war and Iran’s nuclear program….<br />
Obama’s victory could also come as a relief<br />
to Ch<strong>in</strong>a s<strong>in</strong>ce Romney had pledged to<br />
declare it a currency manipulator, potentially<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g to sanctions and escalat<strong>in</strong>g trade<br />
tensions.„<br />
– Editorial, Toronto Star, November 7, <strong>2012</strong><br />
“ It doesn’t matter whether you’re black, or<br />
white, or Hispanic, or Asian, or native<br />
American, or young, or old, or rich, or poor,<br />
abled, disabled, gay, or straight, you can<br />
make it here <strong>in</strong> America if you’re will<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
try.„<br />
– President Obama, acceptance speech,<br />
November 6, <strong>2012</strong><br />
“ Former Republican presidential challenger<br />
Mitt Romney says President Barack Obama<br />
won re-election last week because of the<br />
‘gifts’ Obama had provided to blacks,<br />
Hispanics and young voters and because of<br />
his effort to pa<strong>in</strong>t Romney as antiimmigrants.„<br />
– CTV <strong>News</strong> onl<strong>in</strong>e, November 15, <strong>2012</strong><br />
“ Obama has the chance to shape and leave a<br />
legacy not just for himself, but also for his<br />
party, through the election’s connection with<br />
new constituencies that seem to be<br />
form<strong>in</strong>g…. Polls have <strong>in</strong>dicated a large<br />
majority of the Lat<strong>in</strong>o community favours<br />
immigration reform that would give some<br />
path toward permanent residency to the<br />
more than 12 million undocumented<br />
immigrants who already live and work <strong>in</strong> the<br />
United States.„<br />
– Andrew Davidson, <strong>CBC</strong> <strong>News</strong>, November 7, <strong>2012</strong><br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 18
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review – December <strong>2012</strong> – Teacher Resource Guide<br />
CANADA'S SPY STORY<br />
MINDS-ON ACTIVITY<br />
Discuss the follow<strong>in</strong>g questions before read<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
1. How does the media portray spies?<br />
2. How do you th<strong>in</strong>k spies <strong>in</strong> the "real world" may<br />
differ from those <strong>in</strong> books, television and movies?<br />
3. Why do you th<strong>in</strong>k countries spy on each other?<br />
What types of <strong>in</strong>formation do you th<strong>in</strong>k are the target<br />
of spy<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
SETTING THE STAGE<br />
Hollywood portrays spies as glamorous, athletic<br />
and highly <strong>in</strong>telligent people jump<strong>in</strong>g from<br />
planes and engag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> high speed car chases<br />
with their guns ablaze. However, spy<strong>in</strong>g is not a<br />
new phenomenon nor is it especially glamorous<br />
work.<br />
Spies have existed s<strong>in</strong>ce the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
civilization. As nations competed with each<br />
other over land and resources it became<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly important to stay one step ahead of<br />
foreign powers by know<strong>in</strong>g their secrets.<br />
Spy<strong>in</strong>g is the gather<strong>in</strong>g of secret knowledge or<br />
"<strong>in</strong>telligence" held by a different nation or<br />
peoples without their knowledge. These secrets<br />
tend to <strong>in</strong>volve military <strong>in</strong>formation such as the<br />
location, size and strength of weapons and<br />
troops <strong>in</strong> addition to future plans for military<br />
ACTIVITY<br />
activities. They may also steal technology,<br />
conv<strong>in</strong>ce others to defect to their side, and<br />
sabotage military or political plans. Spies often<br />
<strong>in</strong>filtrate the military or <strong>in</strong>dustrial ranks of<br />
another nation to get access to this confidential<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation. There are strict laws aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
espionage and severe punishments for spies <strong>in</strong><br />
most nations s<strong>in</strong>ce spy<strong>in</strong>g compromises the<br />
security of a nation.<br />
In addition to <strong>in</strong>ternational espionage, domestic<br />
spy<strong>in</strong>g also exists. Governments may want to<br />
keep track of perceived threats to their own<br />
national stability. Many nations have a "secret<br />
service" that is directly <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>telligence<br />
and espionage. This government-sanctioned<br />
<strong>in</strong>telligence gather<strong>in</strong>g is a controversial area of<br />
government activity s<strong>in</strong>ce the nation's security<br />
<strong>in</strong>terests may compete with its citizens’ desire<br />
for privacy.<br />
Def<strong>in</strong>e as many of the follow<strong>in</strong>g espionage terms as you can and then check a reliable source to <strong>in</strong>sure<br />
your def<strong>in</strong>ition is correct.<br />
double agent deep cover operative agent provocateur<br />
re-doubled agent safe house covert agent<br />
sleeper agent cyber spy<br />
19
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — CANADA'S SPY STORY<br />
VIDEO REVIEW<br />
Pre-view<strong>in</strong>g Activities<br />
Answer the follow<strong>in</strong>g questions <strong>in</strong>dividually, then discuss them with a partner. Prepare to debrief as a<br />
class.<br />
1. What do you th<strong>in</strong>k might motivate someone to become a spy aga<strong>in</strong>st their own country?<br />
2. What qualities or characteristics do you th<strong>in</strong>k would make an effective spy?<br />
3. List as many ways that you can th<strong>in</strong>k of that a government tries to prevent spy<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
4. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k the Canadian government engages <strong>in</strong> spy<strong>in</strong>g? On whom and why?<br />
View<strong>in</strong>g Questions<br />
1. Why is this case very serious and of "grave concern"?<br />
2. Where did Delisle work?<br />
3. What is the maximum penalty that Delisle could face?<br />
4. HMCS Tr<strong>in</strong>ity <strong>in</strong> Halifax is the hub for _____________ <strong>in</strong>telligence. It tracks all vessels mov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
and out of Canadian waters, us<strong>in</strong>g _______________, drones and ____________________.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 20
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — CANADA'S SPY STORY<br />
5. What additional <strong>in</strong>formation did Delisle have access to?<br />
6. In addition to Russia, what other countries may be <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> Canada's <strong>in</strong>telligence?<br />
7. Why did the Canadian government not publically expel the Russian diplomats?<br />
8. Why is Delisle's guilty plea a relief for the government?<br />
9. How did technology assist <strong>in</strong> this case of espionage?<br />
10. Why did Delisle get caught?<br />
11. Stone Ghost is a programme that shares classified <strong>in</strong>formation between the U.S., _________,<br />
Australia, ____________, and Canada.<br />
12. What <strong>in</strong>formation did the Russians want accord<strong>in</strong>g to Delisle?<br />
Post-view<strong>in</strong>g Questions<br />
1. Did Lt. Jeffery Paul Delisle fit your description of an effective spy? Why or why not?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 21
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — CANADA'S SPY STORY<br />
2. Why do you th<strong>in</strong>k Delisle became a spy?<br />
3. What punishment do you th<strong>in</strong>k he should face and why?<br />
4. Is spy<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>evitable or do you th<strong>in</strong>k the government could do more to prevent its own citizens from<br />
spy<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
5. Recently it has come to light that it was the FBI that alerted the RCMP of the fact that Delisle was an<br />
<strong>in</strong>formant for the Russians. Why do you th<strong>in</strong>k this fact embarrassed the Canadian government?<br />
ACTIVITY: Two Perspectives<br />
Expla<strong>in</strong> the reason for these two viewpo<strong>in</strong>ts on the Delisle espionage case. Consider the source, the bias<br />
and the po<strong>in</strong>t of view.<br />
“ Based on CSIS analysis and our current knowledge of the totality of the compromise,<br />
Delisle's unauthorized disclosures to the Russians s<strong>in</strong>ce 2007 has caused severe and<br />
irreparable damage to Canadian <strong>in</strong>terests.„<br />
– CSIS report <strong>2012</strong>-02-22<br />
“ We spy on everybody. Everybody spies. It's uh…(laughs). And, and our Western values, you<br />
know it's uh … everybody spies and we spy on our friends and they spy on us and we hold<br />
hands smile and it's … it's hypocritical.„<br />
– Jeffery Paul Delisle quoted dur<strong>in</strong>g his police <strong>in</strong>terrogation.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 22
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — CANADA'S SPY STORY<br />
ACTIVITY: Canada's Intelligence History<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ds-On Activity<br />
1. About which countries do you th<strong>in</strong>k Canada gathers the most <strong>in</strong>telligence? Why?<br />
2. Which countries do you th<strong>in</strong>k want <strong>in</strong>telligence about Canada? Why?<br />
Leader <strong>in</strong> Signals Intelligence<br />
Where does Canada fit <strong>in</strong> the world community<br />
<strong>in</strong> terms of espionage? Canada's <strong>in</strong>telligence<br />
resources centred around the work of the RCMP<br />
until World War II where dramatic events led to<br />
Canada be<strong>in</strong>g pushed to the forefront of<br />
protect<strong>in</strong>g its ally, Great Brita<strong>in</strong>. It was then that<br />
Canada became a leader <strong>in</strong> signals <strong>in</strong>telligence.<br />
Signals <strong>in</strong>telligence is <strong>in</strong>telligence-gather<strong>in</strong>g by<br />
monitor<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>tercept<strong>in</strong>g, decod<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
<strong>in</strong>terpret<strong>in</strong>g radio, radar and other<br />
communication signals. Many Canadian,<br />
American and British women were <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong><br />
transcrib<strong>in</strong>g and translated coded messages.<br />
Signals <strong>in</strong>telligence was vital <strong>in</strong> monitor<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
movement of enemy troops, planes and vessels.<br />
Canada tracked naval signals to convoys of ships<br />
<strong>in</strong> the western Atlantic, warn<strong>in</strong>g of German Uboat<br />
activity. Canadian <strong>in</strong>telligence also<br />
<strong>in</strong>tercepted and decrypted German agent<br />
messages. The RCMP captured 3 German agents<br />
sent to Canada. Canadians served with<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>ction with the SOE (Special Operations<br />
Executive) a secret resistance group created by<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ston Churchill to aid a resistance movement<br />
<strong>in</strong> occupied France.<br />
At the end of World War II, the Canadian<br />
government believed that there was a need to<br />
susta<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>telligence efforts and to cooperate with<br />
its allies <strong>in</strong> gather<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>telligence. The<br />
Communications Security Establishment allows<br />
signals <strong>in</strong>telligence exchanges between Brita<strong>in</strong>,<br />
the United States and other commonwealth<br />
countries.<br />
The Gouzenko Affair<br />
The most startl<strong>in</strong>g case of spy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Canada was<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved a Russian man named Igor Gouzenko.<br />
On September 5, 1945, Igor Gouzenko, a cipher<br />
clerk <strong>in</strong> the Soviet Embassy <strong>in</strong> Ottawa defected<br />
to the Canadian authorities. He revealed to the<br />
RCMP that a number of Soviet spy r<strong>in</strong>gs were<br />
operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> highly sensitive government<br />
departments and nuclear laboratory facilities.<br />
These revelations caught Canada unaware s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
Russia had been considered an ally dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
war. The government beefed up <strong>in</strong>ternal security<br />
and counter <strong>in</strong>telligence measures. The Cold<br />
War had begun — lead<strong>in</strong>g to decades of mutual<br />
suspicion and spy<strong>in</strong>g between the U.S. (and its<br />
allies) as new world power and the Soviet Union<br />
(and its allies).<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 23
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — CANADA'S SPY STORY<br />
CSIS Arrives on the Scene<br />
Canada cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be a target of spy<strong>in</strong>g by<br />
various foreign powers, largely because of our<br />
proximity to the United States and Russia. In<br />
1984, a new civilian <strong>in</strong>telligence organization<br />
came <strong>in</strong>to be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Canada, called the Canadian<br />
Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The<br />
RCMP Security Service was disbanded largely<br />
<strong>in</strong> response to criticism of its performance.<br />
Canada cont<strong>in</strong>ues to play a large role <strong>in</strong> defence<br />
alliances such as NATO and NORAD from<br />
which it ga<strong>in</strong>s access to a wider pool of strategic<br />
<strong>in</strong>telligence.<br />
Canada <strong>in</strong> Question<br />
Canada's reputation as a secure nation with<br />
which to share <strong>in</strong>telligence came <strong>in</strong>to question <strong>in</strong><br />
January <strong>2012</strong>, when the FBI alerted the RCMP<br />
that there was a Canadian spy who had been<br />
shar<strong>in</strong>g secrets with Russia for over four years.<br />
Questions after Read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Royal Canadian Navy Sub.-Lt. Jeffrey Paul<br />
Delisle plead guilty to pass<strong>in</strong>g secret<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation to a foreigner <strong>in</strong> breach of the<br />
federal Security of Information Act, a law<br />
passed <strong>in</strong> the aftermath of the September 11<br />
terror attacks. He is also charged with breach of<br />
trust under the Crim<strong>in</strong>al Code of Canada. Delisle<br />
has admitted to send<strong>in</strong>g CSIS reports,<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on organized crime, contact details<br />
for U.S. Defence officials and <strong>in</strong>telligence<br />
officers <strong>in</strong> Australia and Canada.<br />
His arrest has raised questions of <strong>in</strong>ternal<br />
security due to the crude methods used by<br />
Delisle to extract the <strong>in</strong>formation. He used<br />
floppy discs and USB drives to smuggle data<br />
from his secure office <strong>in</strong> Halifax to his home —<br />
and then on to Russian agents via onl<strong>in</strong>e email.<br />
He was paid $3,000 a month for the stolen<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation. He has plead guilty and is await<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sentenc<strong>in</strong>g. He faces a possible sentence of<br />
life imprisonment.<br />
1. Why did World War II mark a change <strong>in</strong> Canada's participation <strong>in</strong> espionage?<br />
2. Why did the Gouzenko spy case surprise the Canadian government and its allies?<br />
3. Research Delisle's f<strong>in</strong>al sentence. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k he deserved this sentence?<br />
Did You Know?<br />
In the early 1940s, the British established a tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g camp for spies just outside Oshawa. Camp X<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ed ma<strong>in</strong>ly British and American <strong>in</strong>telligence agents. There is speculation that Ian Flem<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
the creator of James Bond, tra<strong>in</strong>ed there.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 24
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review – December <strong>2012</strong> – Teacher Resource Guide<br />
TRUTH, LIES AND CONFESSIONS<br />
MINDS-ON ACTIVITY<br />
Before further read<strong>in</strong>g complete the questions<br />
below. Discuss your answers as a class.<br />
What do you th<strong>in</strong>k?<br />
Indicate below if you agree, somewhat agree,<br />
disagree or strongly disagree with the<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g statements:<br />
1. A tra<strong>in</strong>ed, experienced <strong>in</strong>terrogator is<br />
better at detect<strong>in</strong>g if someone is ly<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
them than an untra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>dividual.<br />
2. People should be treated as if they are <strong>in</strong>nocent until they are proven guilty.<br />
3. Police should be allowed to aggressively <strong>in</strong>terrogate a suspect <strong>in</strong> order to solve a crime and catch a<br />
dangerous crim<strong>in</strong>al.<br />
Indicate below if the follow<strong>in</strong>g statements are TRUE or FALSE.<br />
A. Psychological manipulation is not allowed dur<strong>in</strong>g a Canadian police <strong>in</strong>vestigation.<br />
B. A small percentage of suspects <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong>vestigation waive their right to silence and a lawyer.<br />
C. Sometimes people confess to a crime he or she did not commit.<br />
D. Confessions must be voluntary <strong>in</strong> order to be upheld by the law.<br />
SETTING THE STAGE<br />
The scene is a cramped, brightly lit police<br />
<strong>in</strong>terrogation room with no w<strong>in</strong>dows. The<br />
suspect is sweat<strong>in</strong>g, arms crossed and refus<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
talk. The two police officers <strong>in</strong>volved are tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
turns with “good cop” and “bad cop”<br />
<strong>in</strong>terrogation styles. One officer tries to befriend<br />
the suspect and assures him that the law will be<br />
lenient if he cooperates; the other officer badgers<br />
and <strong>in</strong>timidates the suspect <strong>in</strong> order to get him to<br />
confess. While this scene plays out on a nightly<br />
basis on television crime dramas, the reality of<br />
the <strong>in</strong>terrogation process is more complex and<br />
nuanced.<br />
So what actual happens dur<strong>in</strong>g a Canadian<br />
crim<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong>vestigation? The gather<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
evidence from witnesses and forensics often<br />
results <strong>in</strong> a person be<strong>in</strong>g arrested for a crime. In<br />
Canadian crim<strong>in</strong>al law, all accused persons are<br />
<strong>in</strong>nocent until proven guilty, and they have the<br />
right to legal counsel (a lawyer) and to rema<strong>in</strong><br />
silent <strong>in</strong> the face of police question<strong>in</strong>g. Many<br />
people waive these rights and choose to<br />
cooperate with police through the process of an<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview (<strong>in</strong> the US 75-80% of all suspects<br />
waive their right to silence and counsel). The<br />
decision to do so most likely arises from their<br />
belief that they can best argue their own<br />
<strong>in</strong>nocence.<br />
25
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — TRUTH, LIES AND CONFESSIONS<br />
Most police officers believe they can detect<br />
deceit dur<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>terrogation. Research shows,<br />
however, that compared to "untra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals," police <strong>in</strong>vestigators perform no<br />
better than chance (50% accuracy) <strong>in</strong> detect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
lies. Police <strong>in</strong>terrogators also demonstrate a bias<br />
towards f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g suspects "deceitful" rather than<br />
"truthful." They can be more likely to conclude<br />
that any suspect be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terviewed is guilty.<br />
The Reid Technique<br />
In Canada, the United States and Great Brita<strong>in</strong>, a<br />
style of police <strong>in</strong>terrogation called the Reid<br />
Technique is used when <strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g accused<br />
suspects. This technique has recently been<br />
criticized for lead<strong>in</strong>g to false confessions and<br />
Charter of Rights violations. The technique<br />
assumes that the accused is guilty and can be<br />
manipulated <strong>in</strong>to mak<strong>in</strong>g a confession through a<br />
three-part procedure.<br />
The first component is the <strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
witnesses and victims. The second is a nonaccusatorial<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview of the suspect to assess<br />
whether or not he or she is ly<strong>in</strong>g. The police<br />
officer will display sympathy and understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of an <strong>in</strong>terview with the suspect<br />
to ga<strong>in</strong> trust. The officer may suggest two<br />
alternative scenarios or motivations for the<br />
crime, each worse than the next, to encourage<br />
the subject to confess to the lesser crime of the<br />
two. Thirdly, the <strong>in</strong>terrogator moves to a more<br />
accusatorial <strong>in</strong>terrogation <strong>in</strong> which the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
objective is secur<strong>in</strong>g a confession through<br />
psychological coercion and by m<strong>in</strong>imiz<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
consequences of confess<strong>in</strong>g to the crime. If the<br />
suspect ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s he or she is <strong>in</strong>nocent, the Reid<br />
Technique stipulates that the officer should tell<br />
the suspect the crime is already solved. The<br />
officer issues a warn<strong>in</strong>g that the only question is<br />
how harsh the punishment will be.<br />
The Reid Technique has its critics both <strong>in</strong> and<br />
outside of the legal system. Some claim it leads<br />
to false confessions and that it borders on<br />
violat<strong>in</strong>g the rights of citizens. The strongest<br />
argument aga<strong>in</strong>st Reid <strong>in</strong>terrogations is a<br />
number of documented cases <strong>in</strong> which suspects<br />
confessed (some were convicted and sentenced<br />
to death) but were later exonerated by irrefutable<br />
evidence (typically DNA test<strong>in</strong>g). A number of<br />
factors can contribute to an <strong>in</strong>itial false<br />
confession but <strong>in</strong>terrogation techniques account<br />
for a significant proportion of these cases.<br />
A proposed alternative to the Reid Technique is<br />
known as PEACE, an acronym that refers to a<br />
five-part process: (1) preparation and plann<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
(2) engage and expla<strong>in</strong>, (3) account, (4) closure<br />
and (5) evaluation. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to its supporters,<br />
this method focuses on disprov<strong>in</strong>g theories<br />
rather than prov<strong>in</strong>g hunches. Its methods have<br />
been adopted by police forces <strong>in</strong> Great Brita<strong>in</strong><br />
and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g has begun <strong>in</strong> Ontario and B.C.<br />
Critics of the PEACE methods say it doesn't<br />
have enough "teeth" to be an effective method of<br />
persuad<strong>in</strong>g suspected crim<strong>in</strong>als to tell the truth,<br />
and that the Reid Technique has been very<br />
effective at obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g confessions. The debate on<br />
the best <strong>in</strong>terrogation model rema<strong>in</strong>s unresolved.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 26
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — TRUTH, LIES AND CONFESSIONS<br />
VIDEO REVIEW<br />
Pre-view<strong>in</strong>g Questions<br />
1. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k police should be allowed to use deceit and/or use psychological coercion to get a<br />
confession of guilt from a suspect <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong>vestigation? Why or why not?<br />
2. Why do you th<strong>in</strong>k some people make false confessions?<br />
View<strong>in</strong>g Questions<br />
1. What is the Reid Technique?<br />
2. What is the ma<strong>in</strong> concern regard<strong>in</strong>g the use of the Reid Technique?<br />
3. After start<strong>in</strong>g out by" play<strong>in</strong>g it tough," what does the Reid Technique suggest the <strong>in</strong>terrogator do to<br />
the suspect?<br />
4. What is the purpose of present<strong>in</strong>g the suspect with two reasons for committ<strong>in</strong>g the crime?<br />
5. True or False? Under Canadian law, ly<strong>in</strong>g to suspects is allowed.<br />
6. Why was Cory Armishaw's confession "thrown out" by a judge?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 27
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — TRUTH, LIES AND CONFESSIONS<br />
7. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Craig Perry, what is the ma<strong>in</strong> goal of the Reid Interrogation Technique?<br />
8. What crime did Brenda Waudby confess to and why?<br />
9. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to The Innocence Projects <strong>in</strong> the U.S., _______ out of _______ post-conviction DNA<br />
exonerations <strong>in</strong>volved a false confession.<br />
10. List two ways new <strong>in</strong>terrogation techniques differ from the Reid Techniques.<br />
11. What country uses the PEACE <strong>in</strong>terrogation model?<br />
12. What happened to Cory Armishaw and Brenda Waudby?<br />
Post-view<strong>in</strong>g Activity<br />
Return to the Pre-view<strong>in</strong>g Questions and reconsider your answers with a small group. What <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
<strong>in</strong> the video made you reconsider your answers? What questions rema<strong>in</strong>?<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 28
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — TRUTH, LIES AND CONFESSIONS<br />
ACTIVITY: Primary Source Analysis<br />
Select a transcript of an actual police <strong>in</strong>terrogation. Analyse this primary source us<strong>in</strong>g the chart below,<br />
not<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> particular which of the follow<strong>in</strong>g Reid Techniques of Interrogation were used.<br />
An <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g possible example would be a transcript of RCMP Sergeant Jimmy Moffat <strong>in</strong>terrogat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Canadian Forces naval <strong>in</strong>telligence officer Jeffery Delisle. In January <strong>2012</strong>, Officer Delisle was accused of<br />
spy<strong>in</strong>g on Canada for the Russian government.<br />
A transcript of the Delisle <strong>in</strong>terrogation can be found on the <strong>CBC</strong> <strong>News</strong> website:<br />
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/<strong>2012</strong>/10/23/ns-navy-spy-documents-.html<br />
Reid Interrogation Technique Evidence from Transcript<br />
In early part of <strong>in</strong>terview <strong>in</strong>terviewer establishes if<br />
suspect is “fit” for the <strong>in</strong>terview (not sick, hungry,<br />
under the <strong>in</strong>fluence of drugs, <strong>in</strong>jured etc.)<br />
Investigator establishes rapport<br />
Investigator offers “themes” or reasons for the<br />
crime that allow the suspect to “save face” or to<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imize the seriousness of the crime<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 29
<strong>DECEMBER</strong> <strong>2012</strong> — TRUTH, LIES AND CONFESSIONS<br />
Investigator offers evidence that the suspect is<br />
guilty<br />
Investigator offers an alternative question <strong>in</strong> which<br />
an answer po<strong>in</strong>ts to their guilt<br />
(e.g. "Did you blow the money on drugs and<br />
party<strong>in</strong>g, or did you use it to pay bills?"; "Was this<br />
whole th<strong>in</strong>g your idea or did you get talked <strong>in</strong>to<br />
it?")<br />
Investigator displays understand<strong>in</strong>g and sympathy<br />
for the accused<br />
The <strong>in</strong>terrogation process lasts a long time<br />
COMMUNITY CONNECTION<br />
Invite a community police detective to talk about Charter Rights and police <strong>in</strong>terrogation. Prepare<br />
questions ahead of the talk regard<strong>in</strong>g police <strong>in</strong>vestigations and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>terrogation.<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>in</strong> Review ∙ <strong>CBC</strong> Learn<strong>in</strong>g ∙ news<strong>in</strong><strong>review</strong>.cbclearn<strong>in</strong>g.ca 30