Shutting down CBC/Radio-Canada or “defunding” the corporation would have devastating consequences. Thousands of jobs are at risk. Approximately 8,000 jobs will be lost as a result of CBC/Radio-Canada being defunded. So hearing my Conservative colleagues get upset today about jobs at Radio-Canada is not credible.
In addition, many indigenous communities in Canada would lose the only media outlet that provides information and content in their indigenous language.
Let's not forget that CBC/Radio-Canada's investments in production and news have an extremely positive impact on our economy and on the Canadian cultural system as a whole. According to some estimates, every dollar invested in the corporation generates $2 in economic activity. It is also essential support for artists and creators, among others, who contribute $58 billion to our economy. The audiovisual cultural sector accounts for approximately 673,000 jobs in Canada.
Therefore, significantly cutting CBC/Radio-Canada's funding, directly or indirectly, will have a devastating impact on our economy and the entire audiovisual sector, in addition to depriving Canadians of their public broadcaster, which has been around for nearly 100 years. I don't understand why such an important jewel of our country is being attacked.