The firing of two top editors from the CMAJ (the journal of the Canadian Medical Association) has drawn harsh international criticism from the scientific and editorial communities as an assault on editorial independence. But the journal's publisher, Graham Morris, insists that, after 10 years with the same editors, “It was time for a fresh approach.”

John Hoey, the editor in chief, and his deputy editor, Anne Marie Todkill, were both dismissed on 20 February by Mr Morris. Dr Hoey, Ms Todkill, and other staff said that they were told not to comment on the firings. And Mr Morris said, “It's our policy not to comment on staff issues.”

Stephen Choi, the acting editor, and other editorial staff, are understood to be considering their position, depending on how the CMA responds to demands for proper mechanisms to protect editorial freedom.

Mr Morris, the president of CMA Media Incorporated, which owns and publishes the journal, said that Dr Hoey “had done a good job in improving the quality of the journal.” CMA Media is a subsidiary of …