Thank you. I want to start with a comment.
Ms. Tait, you referred to some personal details with respect to the reporter who was here in northern Manitoba. I find that unacceptable and frankly irrelevant. The bottom line here is that the CBC has failed to fill the position in any sort of full-time, long-term situation, and I don't think relying on personal details of the reporter who was here is fair game or acceptable and is frankly unprofessional coming from the CEO of a corporation as well. I do hope that the CBC actually does its job and fills the position long term as its mandate requires it to do.
Moving on, True North, is a conspiracy website that has denied the genocide of indigenous peoples in Canada, has peddled all sorts of conspiracy theories, has done interviews with the leader of a banned white supremacist group and has also sat down with a number of Conservative MPs, including the leader of the Conservatives, Mr. Poilievre.
In one such interview, Mr. Poilievre argued to defund the CBC, which is no surprise. He's talked about this many times. He's even quoted as saying “I can't wait to defund the CBC.” This is unacceptable, and it is heartbreaking for so many Canadians who rely on a strong public broadcaster. This is core to who we are as Canadians, who we are as a country. It is particularly important in regions like ours, and I would argue in every single region across the country.
However, when we see $18 million worth of bonuses, or, as you call it, performance pay, we know that this contributes to the negative reputation that the CBC has, particularly at a time when so many Canadians are struggling.
Do you agree that the next head of the CBC should save jobs by ending outrageous executive bonuses?