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Veteran newspaper columnist Christie Blatchford, whose fiery polemics framed Canadian news for five decades, has died at 68.
Word of her death sparked an outpouring of online tributes from rival journalists, politicians of all persuasions and other prominent figures who enjoyed her searing wit, even if some had been on the receiving end of it.
Here are some reactions:
“Canadian journalism has suffered a great loss today with the passing of Christie Blatchford. My sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and fellow fans.”
— Ontario Premier Doug Ford
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“So very sad to hear of the loss of Christie Blatchford. She was a terrific reporter, a smart, feisty woman and a razor-sharp wit. I will miss her voice and her perspective on this crazy world.”
— Former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne
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“Christie Blatchford was one of a kind and made every newsroom she worked in better. A loss for journalism and a loss to our country.”
— Toronto Sun editor-in-chief Adrienne Batra
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“(Christie) was courageous — never afraid to tell it as she saw it — and leaves behind a legacy of fearlessness that will hopefully inspire journalists for generations to come.”
—Toronto Mayor John Tory
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“A sad day for Canada. Christie Blatchford was an amazing person, journalist and patriot. She made us all better. I’m grateful I had the chance to know her.”
— Retired vice-admiral Mark Norman
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“Great sorrow in Canadian journalism, with the passing of Christie Blatchford. A beautiful writer and fearless critic, she was among the very finest who have practised the craft. We have lost the best we have.”
— John Ibbitson, writer at large for the Globe and Mail
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“A huge loss for the journalism world and Canada. Christie was tough as nails and independent minded. Great role model.”
— Mercedes Stephenson, Ottawa bureau chief for Global News
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“I remember her as a person who worked hard to tell the truth as she saw it. She served her readers well, helped some people she wrote about, and hurt others.”
— Jesse Brown, founder of media news site Canadaland
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“There was but one Christie Blatchford. One hell of a journalist, suffered no B.S., had the kindest of hearts, and swore like a sailor. At an all-time restaurant table of travelling (Canadian) sports writers, she sat at the head.”
— Mark Spector, senior columnist at Sportsnet.ca
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“Christie Blatchford wasn’t always right (who is?) but she was an incredible reporter and she was tenacious as all hell.”
— Justin Ling, freelance journalist and host of the CBC podcast “Uncover: The Village”
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“A trailblazer since we met at Ryerson as journalism students, Christie Blatchford was an inspirational and profoundly important writer of legal, political, military and human stories.”
— Don Martin, former host of CTV’s “Power Play”
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“Christie Blatchford was an inspiring woman, a fantastic journalist, and a true friend to Canadian Armed Forces members. Her knowledge, perspective and sense of humour will be deeply missed.”
— Deputy Defence Minister Jody Thomas
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“Christie Blatchford was an exceptional journalist. Years ago I hosted a reading of ‘Fifteen Days,’ her award-winning book on the Afghanistan War. Her love for our soldiers and our country leaped off the pages.”
— Erin O’Toole, Conservative leadership candidate and MP for Durham, Ont.
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“One of the toughest and kindest people I’ve ever met in a scrum. You will be missed, Blatch.”
— Adam van Koeverden, Liberal MP for Milton, Ont., and Olympic gold-medal kayaker
The Canadian Press