Source:  “Mr. Gordon in favor of a royal inquiry on the whole question of the two cultures in Canada”, La Presse, Montreal, Wednesday, 12 December 1962, Pages 1 and 2.  Emphases added.

D R A F T

La manifestation anti-Gordon a failli tourner a la violence, hier quand des étudiants de l’Université de Montréal ont tenté de briser le cordon de policiers à l’entrée du Reine-Elizabeth.  Grâce aux organisateurs de la manifestation qui recommandaient l’ordre, les manifestants ont fini par se disperser.  Photo  J.-Y. Létourneau, LA PRESSE

Mr. Gordon in favor of a royal inquiry on
the whole question of the two cultures in Canada

Not only CN but
also in the public service
and the major corporations

“Having been called away for a trip to the United States, I took note, on my return, with some delay, of the comments published last week in Canadian newspapers.  I was quite affected, owing to the fact that in spite of my denials and the assurances which I gave, a xxxxxxx part of public opinion continues to believe that CN practices xxxxxx ostracism of French Canadians with regard to appointments and promotions.”

The man who said these words is Mr. Donald Gordon, president of the National railways, hanged in effigy in a number of cities by the students, the most talked-about personality in Canada since his recent testimony before a committee of the House of Commons.

Mr. Gordon had maintained the most complete silence, until now, during the tempest.  LA PRESSE wondered if he had anything to say.  A phone call revealed that, yes.  This is why we find ourselves in the presence of this ageing but vigorous strapping fellow, whose eyes flash behind thick glasses, and who expresses himself with a great deal of precision..

_________________

LA PRESSE :
Of all the comments, which one struck you the most?

MR. GORDON :
The remarks of Mr. Jean Marchand, president of the Confederation of National Trade Unions.  He asserts that “discrimina­tion exists, not when an appointment is made, but when the men start to be trained for superior positions”.  That is a criticism that I would like to look at, together with Mr. Marchand, to clearly establish the facts.

LA PRESSE :
Is this criticism laughable, in your view?

Mr. Donald GORDON

MR. GORDON :
It is glaringly obvious to everyone that I cannot have personal knowledge of all the circumstances of every appointment, each transfer and each promotion, in a company which has over a hundred thousand people in its employ.  All I can say is that the policy of management in this regard is that promotions be accorded, as far as possible, to men already in the servie of CN and that the most qualified be chosen.  However, Mr. Marchand seems to think that this system is defective and that it involves discriminatory practices of which I am unaware.  If such is the case, it is my duty to update these pratices.  I would be happy to discuss it personally with Mr. Marchand, a union leader who has a sense of responsibility and whose opinion I respect.  If it is possible to improve the system to which Mr. Mar­chand alludes, in such a way as to guarantee more honest and fairer treatment, I would be the first to recommend the necessary changes.

LA PRESSE :
Is that to say, Mr. Gordon, that you prefer a private inquiry, as a way of avoiding a public inquiry

Voir GORDON en page 2