The CBC was created by an act of Parliament because Canadians wanted a public broadcaster. Today we believe that a majority of Canadians still want a public broadcaster and they want a robust one able to hold its own in the media marketplace. We can't imagine anyone trying to impose the conditions outlined in Bill C-461 on any other media in Canada. They certainly shouldn't be imposed on CBC/Radio-Canada, the biggest news organization in the country and an essential vehicle for informing the public.
Bill C-461 would have an adverse effect on the public broadcaster's information service. The bill attacks the very principle of freedom of the press and would not be in the best interest of the citizens of Canada.
We urge this committee to recommend proceeding no further with Bill C-461. We would certainly support a thorough review of the Access to Information Act. We would be pleased to participate in any future proceedings towards reform of the act to improve accountability and access, but without endangering freedom of expression and the integrity of the public broadcaster.
In closing what we would like to say is that if what members of Parliament want is a sunshine list of public servant salaries, then it should draft a clear and transparent bill to that end instead of using the back door and destroying CBC journalism in the process.
Thank you.