Take Action: Demand Retraction and Apology from La Presse
Press Release
Overview
On September 7, 2025, La Presse published a column by Patrick Lagacé entitled « Avez-vous pensé à votre charge odorante aujourd’hui ? ».
For English translation, click here (Translation by DeepL)
Click here to view the article in French
This article mocked fragrance-free policies and demeaned Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a recognized disability under Canadian and Québec human rights law, the Accessible Canada Act (2019), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Articles like this are not harmless opinion pieces. They foster stigma, embolden people to ignore or defy fragrance-free rules, and place Canadians with MCS at real risk of harm. MCS affects approximately 3.5% of Canadians—more than 1 million people—and it is growing in prevalence.
📚 Learn More
• MCS Fact Sheet
• What is MCS?
• Understanding MCS
Please take a moment to review these resources before taking action.
📧 Who to Write
We encourage you to write directly to Patrick Lagacé and copy La Presse editors. Your voice matters—when journalists demean disabilities, silence implies consent. By writing, you show that Canadians demand accountability.
To: Patrick Lagacé – lagace.patrick@lapresse.ca ; Patrick.Lagace@lapresse.ca
CC: Stéphanie Grammond, Editor-in-Chief – grammond.stephanie@lapresse.ca
CC: François Cardinal, VP Information – francois.cardinal@lapresse.ca
✍️ How to Take Action
Below are two sample letters you can use as templates. Feel free to personalize them with your own experiences and perspectives. Always close by asking for a retraction of the article and a public apology.
• Click here to view Sample Letters 1 & 2 – Human Rights & Accessibility & Personal Impact & Respect
You may also write your own letter. Share your story, your concern for human rights, or your experiences with accessibility barriers.
⚠️ Reminder: Please keep your messages polite and respectful, but firm. We are calling for accountability, not personal attacks.
📢 Amplify Your Impact
After sending your letter, help spread the word. Share this action page on social media and encourage others to join.
Suggested caption:
“🛑 Enough is enough. La Presse published a column mocking disability rights. People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) deserve respect and accommodation. Join us in demanding a retraction and apology. [Insert link] #DisabilityRights #FragranceFree #CRPD #AccessibilityMatters”
🔎 Stay Updated
We will update this page with press releases, complaint outcomes, and next steps. Please check back often and share widely to build momentum.