Sep 21, 2006 - Globe and Mail By: Ed Morgan

Mean chatter

Toronto — Re: BMO’s Comper Draws Line In Sand On Anti-Semitism (Buzz - Sept. 19): I was at first pleased to read Patricia Best’s piece on the wonderful initiative taken by Bank of Montreal CEO Tony Comper and his wife Elizabeth in developing the Fighting Anti-Semitism Together (FAST) program for Canadian schools.

I was pleased, that is, until I read the last two paragraphs. At first, I thought Ms. Best was writing in jest when she suggested that bank presidents such as Mr. Comper should stick to financial management and not use their positions of prominence for the betterment of society. When I read the article again, however, the seriousness of her words became all too clear to me.

I would have thought we left the world of silence in the face of anti-Semitism, racism and intolerance at history’s door. Indeed, while any CEO has a primary responsibility to his/her shareholders, there is today a growing awareness that with corporate responsibility comes an ethical responsibility and a social conscience. In this respect Mr. Comper reflects the best virtues of contemporary corporate Canada.

Ms. Best chooses, mysteriously, not to identify who is allegedly chatting about the appropriateness of Mr. Comper’s social conscience. I dare say that any such “buzz” should be held up not as responsible criticism but rather as retrogressive and mean-spirited chatter.

Ed Morgan is national president, Canadian Jewish Congress.


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