Many of my constituents have brought to my attention their concerns regarding CBC funding.  In our Government’s four budgets, CBC has received funding increases.  In the current budget, CBC received $1.1 billion of taxpayer’s money.  The former Liberal government between 1994 and 1997 cut CBC’s funding by $414 million, resulting in 4,000 positions lost.  By 1998-1999, CBC’s budget reached a low of $745 million.

Currently, CBC revenues are down by $60 million due to the economic downturn.  CBC derives revenues from advertising sale spots in its programming.  It would not be wise for the Government of Canada to make-up these losses in revenue while ignoring losses experienced by the private sector.

Our Government believes that CBC needs to adjust its operating costs to reflect the realities of the current economic climate.  This position is supported by the Executive Vice-President of English Services for CBC who commented: “If they had given us the bridge financing, we still would have had to cut 800 people.”

We are committed to ensuring that the Canadian broadcasting system contributes to the realization of Canadian social, cultural and economic objectives, as defined by the ‘Broadcasting Act’. The CBC operates independently of the Government under a framework provided in the Act. As an autonomous Crown corporation, its Board of Directors and senior management are responsible for its day-to-day operations, including its programming.

Andre Pratte from La Presse, March 29, 09 stated “If CBC has hit a dead end today, it’s not because the Conservatives were cheap, but as a result of a decline in advertising revenue as a result of the recession.”

In all honesty, the challenges faced by CBC will make the Corporation tighten operational costs.   I believe they will do this without compromising the programming provided to Canadians.

Our government will continue to support CBC as they meet the challenges posed by the new communication modems that have changed the broadcasting landscape in Canada.

Colin Mayes, MP
Okanagan-Shuswap