Conservative Government Forces Cuts on CBC/Radio-Canada

June 26, 2014

MONTREAL – Liberal Critic for Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Stéphane Dion, today issued the following statement on the additional cuts announced today by CBC/Radio-Canada:

“The cuts announced today by CBC/Radio-Canada are a direct result of the Conservative government’s reckless slashing of our national broadcaster’s operating budget, after the former Minister of Heritage James Moore promised to ‘maintain or increase support for the CBC.’

“Since 2012, the government has reduced CBC/Radio-Canada funding by over $115 million, on an ongoing basis.

“This has forced the CBC/Radio-Canada to make very difficult decisions going forward, including today’s announcement of major staff cuts, the chopping of in-house program production, and shortened evening news broadcasts.

“These cuts are ideologically driven, pure and simple, and underscore Mr. Harper’s lack of interest as to the need and value of this crucial Canadian institution.

“The Liberal Party of Canada strongly believes in the need for a public broadcaster. CBC/Radio-Canada is a key Canadian institution and as it evolves, must have support from the federal government.

“The Liberal Party of Canada will continue to advocate that the government reverse their reckless cuts and commit to providing the CBC/Radio-Canada with stable, predictable and adequate funding going forward.”