75 years ago the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation / Radio-Canada was first established. Started during a time of economic uncertainty, while Canada was still a young country shaping its own identity, it has grown to become an indispensable part of who we are as Canadians, and how we talk to each other and to the world.
However, the recent federal election results have unleashed the Conservatives on a campaign against this cherished public institution.
Conservative MPs are circulating petitions calling for the CBC to be “defunded”. They are using it as a scapegoat in the midst of Canada’s current economic difficulties.
Heritage Minister James Moore promised before the election to maintain or even strengthen the CBC’s budget. But since then, he’s gone from advocating a cut of 5% to, now, 10%. Who knows how much further the Conservatives will go.
This is why we have launched the Hands off our CBC petition – to stand-up for public broadcasting, and provide all Canadians an opportunity to do the same.
Please add your name to the petition here.
The Conservatives are again over-reading their mandate. We need to send them a strong message: CBC funding didn’t cause your Conservative deficit; so don’t try to fix that problem on the back of the CBC!
The Liberal Party of Canada recognizes the profound importance of the CBC’s role in our society. We will fight to ensure our national broadcaster receives the support and resources it needs to continue to do its vital job.
So please sign the petition here.
And while you’re at it, post it on your Facebook page, tweet it or forward it to a friend. We’re depending on you to help spread the word.
Thank you.
Bob Rae
Leader, Liberal Party of Canada
CBC Radio is vital to maintaining a free and democratic Canada. However, CBC TV Documentaries also play a very important role. Perhaps the new Liberal party should be involving its members in an ongoing exploration of that. I think it is central to our national conversation. Ian.
It’s an interesting petition. I am not sure that I want to sign a petition which asks for more money for the CBC without determining whether it is needed.
The last thing I would do, is to give blanket support to save the CBC. What we need is to save Public Broadcasting and in my opinion only CBC Radio with its meager budget qualifies. The elephant in the room CBC TV is costing taxpayers way too much and I’m not only referring to financial costs!