NDP standing up for the CBC

The new cuts announced at the CBC – of which half will affect rural communities – reaffirm the urgent need to cancel the Conservatives’ devastating cuts to this Crown corporation, as well as the importance of ensuring stable, long-term, predictable financing to protect the CBC.

“The CBC and Radio-Canada are at the heart of Canada’s culture and identity. We absolutely need to give our public broadcaster the means to continue its work – in both urban and rural communities across the country. That’s why the NDP has committed to cancelling the $115 million cut if it forms government, as well as providing multi-year, stable financing and an independent board of directors to run the CBC,” said NDP Heritage critic Pierre Nantel (Longueuil – Pierre-Boucher).

The new cuts, which will affect local newscasts in particular, will push the total number of layoffs for 2015 to 750 staff. This represents more than half of the cuts that the Conservatives set for this year in 2012.

“We need to provide the CBC with the means to carry out its work and pursue its digital transition. The NDP will always defend the CBC and work to ensure its survival.”