Conservative hidden agenda for CBC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Despite widespread expectations that Heritage Minister Bev Oda would announce a mandate review of CBC at the Banff World Television Festival today, she failed to do so. As a result, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting spokesperson Ian Morrison, issued the following statement:

"Friends understands that the Heritage Minister has not been able to persuade her Cabinet colleagues to approve a mandate review of CBC. As she has already publicly committed to this mandate review in the House of Commons, Cabinet's rebuff casts doubt on who is directing broadcasting policy within the government and gives further credence to well-founded concerns of a hidden agenda on the part of the Conservative government towards the national public broadcaster. This despite an election platform which stated (page 10) that: "a Conservative government will ensure that the CBC and Radio-Canada continue to perform their vital role as national public service broadcasters".


For information:

Jim Thompson
613-447-9592