Internal communications from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) leaked over the weekend have sparked widespread anger in the United States. The documents revealed that senior officials at Canada's public broadcaster instructed staff not to describe the September 11 attacks as acts of terrorism.
The directive was issued to CBC employees ahead of the upcoming anniversary of September 11, which this year marks 25 years since one of the deadliest terror attacks in modern history.
In the internal memo, CBC management characterized the terms "terrorist" and "attack" as "politically charged" language, instructing staff to exercise "extreme caution" before using them. The broadcaster further claimed that such terminology could offend the sensibilities of "representative groups within the Canadian population."
The revelation triggered sharp criticism from American officials. The heads of the CIA and FBI issued a joint statement condemning the guidance. Writing on social media, they said: "American security agencies defend the lives of millions of Canadian citizens every day, who enjoy living in safety alongside the United States. It is beyond absurd that one cannot describe the September 11 attacks for what they were—the deadliest and most horrific terrorist attack in human history. The United States will not accept disrespect for the suffering and lives of 3,000 murdered victims."
