Transcript of Exchange concerning terms of CBC Mandate Review
Source : House of Commons
May 19, 2006
Hon. Mauril Bélanger (Ottawa—Vanier, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the government has repeatedly indicated its intention to review the mandate of the CBC. This week the heritage committee asked to see and comment on the terms of reference of any such review.
We all know her boss, the Prime Minister, is not keen on parliamentary democracy. However, will the Minister of Heritage seize the opportunity and seek the input of her fellow parliamentarians in the review of the mandate of CBC, one of our most important cultural institutions?
Hon. Bev Oda (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as the House knows, the CBC is important to Canada. Because it has not been kept up to date and it is threatened by new technologies, we believe a mandate review is called for.
Consequently, we have just received the motion. I will give it due consideration. In a democracy we will use every instrument we can to ensure that it has fulsome discussion.
