CBC/Radio-Canada is more than just a public broadcaster. It is one of the great institutions that, for nearly 90 years, has shaped our culture, told our stories and safeguarded our cultural sovereignty.
Our public broadcaster allows Canadians to connect with each other, discuss issues of national interest, get to know their communities and tell stories made by us and for us.
CBC/Radio-Canada stands at a critical crossroads. Our sovereignty is being challenged and our cultural integrity is under increasing pressure from foreign digital platforms that are reshaping the media landscape and how Canadians consume content.
Despite these challenges, CBC/Radio-Canada remains a pillar on which we can build our future-a vital institution that reflects our identity and unites us. Ensuring its relevance, strength and independence is essential to safeguarding our culture in the face of growing pressures. Now, more than ever, we need a clear vision for our public broadcaster's future so that it can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced her vision for the future of CBC/Radio-Canada. Changes proposed in the document, The Future of CBC/Radio-Canada, would mean:
- Trustworthy, local and impartial news
- Reliable information during emergencies
- An end to subscription fees for CBC/Radio-Canada's streaming platforms and advertising during news
- Increased citizen participation and strengthened independence from the Government
- An emphasis on innovation and collaboration
- Development of an Indigenous strategy in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
- Emphasis on the separation of French and English programming
- Increased and stabilized funding written into law
CBC/Radio-Canada needs long-term predictable funding. Canada invests less in its national public broadcaster than many other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan. With rising concerns about online information integrity and newsroom closures across Canada, predictable funding would allow CBC/Radio-Canada to reach Canadians in their communities as well as innovate and collaborate, which would benefit the entire media ecosystem.
CBC/Radio-Canada is an independent Crown corporation. It is a separate organization responsible for its own day-to-day activities. This includes all decisions about journalism, creativity and programming.
Increased independence, focus on news and more predictable funding would position our national public broadcaster to continue delivering vital services for Canadians, now and into the future. With a clear and modernized vision, we can reinforce the role of CBC/Radio-Canada as an institution that informs, entertains and unites Canadians for generations to come. Choosing a better CBC/Radio-Canada means we will always choose Canada.
