By Andy Takagi

Copyright thestar

Travis Dhanraj, the former host of “Canada Tonight,” is starting up a strategic communications firm that will include former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders and former MPP Michael Ford as advisers.

Dhanraj left the CBC in a well-publicized departure in July, citing a “toxic work environment.” He currently has a complaint before the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) seeking damages. CBC has repeatedly said it “rejects (Dhanraj’s) version of events.”

Both Saunders and Ford are listed as “senior advisers” for Westbridge Strategies, Dhanraj’s new public relations firm. Alongside the launch of his firm, Dhanraj also announced a podcast, “Can’t Be Censored,” which will launch in the fall. Co-hosted with Karman Wong — a former CP24 anchor and staffer in former premier Dalton McGuinty’s government — the podcast promises to ”(dive) into the conversations you won’t find on mainstream media,” according to a news release.

“Legacy media is on its last breath. I’m not wearing the journalism hat anymore,” Dhanraj said in the release. “This show is about saying what couldn’t be said — and trusting Canadians to handle the truth.”

Saunders was the head of Toronto police for five years until 2020, and was the service’s first Black police chief. He joined the province’s COVID-19 vaccine task force shortly after and unsuccessfully ran in the 2022 provincial election as the Progressive Conservative candidate in Don Valley West. He lost again in the 2023 mayoral election to Olivia Chow.

Ford, the nephew of premier Doug Ford, is a former city councillor and MPP. He was the minister of citizenship and multiculturalism in his uncle’s cabinet until he left cabinet citing health reasons and did not run for re-election in February’s provincial election. Ford also registered as a lobbyist at city hall back in July.

Tom Allison, a veteran provincial Liberal organizer who helped organizer former premier Kathleen Wynne’s 2013 provincial campaign, is also joining Westbridge Strategies as the firm’s vice-president.

Dhanraj left the CBC in July, announcing his departure with an email to CBC and Radio-Canada staff, in which Dhanraj said he was “shut out” when he began questioning what he alleges are systemic issues and editorial imbalance at the public broadcaster.

The CBC has previously said it “categorically rejects the accusations made about CBC News, our staff and management.”

In September, more specific allegations came to light as Dhanraj and his lawyer filed a complaint with the CHRC. In his complaint, he alleges that his departure from “Canada Tonight” was sparked, in part, by a post on X (formerly Twitter) about then-CBC president Catherine Tait.

“What my client is seeking is damages for past and future wage loss as a result of the discrimination and retaliation he endured from CBC, as well as an order from the Canadian Human Rights Commission that CBC undergo a comprehensive investigation and review of DEI and workplace harassment policies,” said Kathryn Marshall, Dhanraj’s lawyer, when the complaint was filed.

The complaint also alleges that Dhanraj was the victim of bullying and harassment by two other CBC on-air anchors, David Cochrane and Rosemary Barton, who he claims received preferential treatment.

In a statement, CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson continued to reiterate the broadcaster’s previous denial of Dhanraj’s allegations.

“As we have stated several times before, we reject Mr. Dhanraj’s version of events and are dismayed by his attacks on our hosts and newsroom leaders. CBC will vigorously defend against any false claims,” Thompson said.

“Regarding Mr. Dhanraj’s employment status, we have processed his resignation; he is no longer an employee of the CBC.”