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 In response to the controversial “Babies for Export:
Alberta’s Tragic Traffic in Babies” (an article published in Toronto’s
New Liberty magazine and based on a recently released report Welfare
in Alberta), the Alberta government tried to lay charges of libel on
social worker Dr. Charlotte Whitton, writer Harold Dingman, and publisher
Jack Kent Cooke.
However, since the alleged libellers resided (and New
Liberty was published) outside of the province, by law, the government
could not do so. Instead, the Crown proceeded to charge Cooke with
counselling John Michaels, an Edmonton news distributor, to publish
libellous material. A further charge was added: Whitton, Cooke, and Dingham
were charged with conspiracy to publish libellous material and called to
stand trial in Edmonton.
 The 4 April trial was held before Justice Boyd McBride
and drew scores of citizens, from every corner of North America. The
courtroom was filled to capacity and at least another 100 people waited
outside in the corridors, each of them curious about how Alberta’s court
would rule on the rights accorded to the press.
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Heritage Community Foundation Presents
;)
;)
