The Canadian Media Guild will look more closely at the proposed changes to the mandate, governance and funding of CBC/Radio-Canada, as announced by federal Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge.
A potential increase in funding, based on a per capita formula, could be welcome if it means less political control over the finances of CBC/Radio-Canada, and if it results in long-term, predictable budgets. For far too long, Canadian investment in public broadcasting has not kept pace with what other, similar countries spend.
We’re encouraged to see CBC/Radio-Canada highlighted as important to reinforcing strong, sovereign, democratic Canadian culture. Our CBC Branch members work tirelessly to make the public broadcaster a trusted source of information, with built-in checks and balances protected by their Collective Agreement.
We will closely look at how these changes will affect CMG members, and make sure all our workers’ rights are protected.
The CMG CBC Branch will be talking with members and reviewing the potential changes carefully. We will keep you apprised as things develop. Reach out to your CBC Branch Executives with feedback, thoughts and questions.
In Solidarity,