Evidence of meeting #42 for Canadian Heritage in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was cbc.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Jean-Pierre Blais  Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage
Daniel Jean  Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage
René Bouchard  Executive Director, Portfolio Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

4:45 p.m.

Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

Jean-Pierre Blais

In a sense, we're all seeing it in the headlines. I can assure you that we were thinking about it way before it got to the headlines. That's how we do our work. It was on the horizon.

Last time I appeared, for instance, I talked about how we've renovated all our programs in one way or another to meet the digital economy, whether it's our magazine policy, our music policy, or the CMF, which was a reaction to the new platform reality. Netflix is another one. People will adapt. At first, when you're used to doing business in a certain way and there's this disruptive technology, you adapt. Interestingly enough, TOU.TV, which is a great model for Radio-Canada—it's come back to CBC to a certain degree—is a video-streaming service that's very competitive with the Netflix offerings, and they're doing quite well. As well, the NFB has offerings on those platforms.

Canadians are able to compete in this world. We shouldn't shirk and be afraid that we can't be as good as anybody else in the world.

4:50 p.m.

NDP

Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON

I certainly agree with you, and I think we are coming into a golden age in terms of our ability to get amazing product out there. You just have to look at the films being made and the television shows. Arcade Fire won the Grammy. We've been succeeding in music for decades, but I think our other platforms are starting to come up. And I think CBC plays a crucial role in that, because we need a place where we can start to see new voices and new players.

In terms of your examination of this five-year plan, we did a study two years ago. We heard from people across the country. We heard every possible viewpoint on the CBC. What we heard time and time again was that people wanted the strong central drama and sports ability of the CBC to compete, but they wanted CBC and Radio-Canada to have the resources in the regions to do the productions and carry the stories of the regions, because the centre can't tell the regions' stories. It's the regions that feed back into the centre and help create a stronger sense of national identity.

In looking at this five-year plan, do you feel that, even with the financial challenges they're facing, they have a plan that can address some of the concerns Canadians have raised about hearing themselves and seeing themselves on our national broadcaster?

4:50 p.m.

Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage

Daniel Jean

They've certainly made a commitment in that five-year plan that they want to provide the opportunity for the regions to be seen nationally and for the regions to have their own mirror in terms of local information. There is certainly a strong commitment. As the minister said before, he certainly welcomes it.

4:50 p.m.

NDP

Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON

Thank you.

4:50 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

Thank you, Mr. Angus.

We'll go to Mr. Rodriguez.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Good afternoon, gentlemen.

At what point is the CBC normally informed of the renewal of its $60 million budget envelope for programming? In what month does the CBC get confirmation that it will receive it?

February 16th, 2011 / 4:50 p.m.

Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage

Daniel Jean

It is always during the budget year. It is a renewal in the context of a budget.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

They learn when they read the budget, that's it.

4:50 p.m.

Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage

Daniel Jean

They learn at the time of the budget, yes.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

And it's always that way, that has been a tradition since 2001, right.

I just want to come back to the question of appointments, relating directly to the CBC. I am concerned about the quotation from the Minister that you have probably read in the various media. The CBC has to renew its licence, and whether we like it or not, you will agree with me that the CRTC has a large say in the process. We know how the CRTC, as an institution, has a say in the process, as do the individuals who make up the CRTC.

Could you tell me whether Mr. Pentefountas was recommended by your department? Is that how it works?

4:50 p.m.

Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage

Daniel Jean

A moment ago the Minister described the selection process. There as an invitation for applications and an exercise of jurisdiction. Candidates were selected and some were interviewed. The process took its course. There was a selection committee, and normally we don't discuss the details of the committee. I think the Minister covered that point a moment ago.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Perhaps not to my satisfaction.

4:50 p.m.

Bloc

Carole Lavallée Bloc Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, QC

Or to mine.

4:50 p.m.

René Bouchard Executive Director, Portfolio Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

I think the process that was followed is no different from the processes followed for other organizations.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

I'm not questioning the competence or neutrality of the people who make up your team. I am sure they are extremely competent. It's just the political interference that disturbs me somewhat in all that.

4:50 p.m.

Executive Director, Portfolio Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

René Bouchard

As for any other appointment, the evaluation criteria are put on the table. They are set out in the position description or what is advertised in Canadian newspapers through the Gazette or website. As we said, the people applied, there is a selection committee, interviews are conducted. There is interaction among the various individuals who hear all these people.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

It is your department that does it?

4:50 p.m.

Executive Director, Portfolio Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

René Bouchard

The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for appointments for the Department of Canadian Heritage.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

So at the end of it you have a recommendation.

4:50 p.m.

Executive Director, Portfolio Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

René Bouchard

Yes, we have recommendations and that results in a Governor in Council decision.

4:50 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

I understand. So if I follow your logic, you recommended Mr. Pentefountas.

4:55 p.m.

Executive Director, Portfolio Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

René Bouchard

We make sure the process is conducted properly, carried out, in a professional manner, essentially.

4:55 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

I have no doubt regarding your services.

Did you recommend Mr. Pentefountas?

4:55 p.m.

Executive Director, Portfolio Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage

René Bouchard

As I said, there is a selection process, people are interviewed, and based on the criteria that are established, we have...

4:55 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Have you been forbidden to answer my question?