Georgia Straight Editor Takes Stand at Furlong Defamation Trial

By Marcella Bernardo
AM 730
June 19, 2015

http://www.am730.ca/syn/112/81152/81152

The editor of the Vancouver newspaper to first publish allegations of child abuse involving 2010 Olympic boss John Furlong has taken the stand at Furlong’s defamation trial in Vancouver.

Charlie Smith says freelance journalist Laura Robinson first approached him in 2011 and he was intrigued by her research.

Smith says he was curious to learn why Furlong’s book Patriot Hearts made no mention of his time in Canada before he officially moved here in 1974.

Smith says Robinson wrote previous articles for the Georgia Straight and he had a lot respect for her.

“She doesn’t blindside people. She’s a very honest reporter and I admire her for that.”

Smith says Robinson’s 2012 story alleging Furlong physically abused First Nations students at a private Catholic school in Burns Lake was worth printing because it was of national interest and she had sworn affidavits from the alleged victims.

Furlong has denied the allegations against him.