As you said, I don't think this is reminiscent of a dictatorship; let's not get too carried away. However, as you know, more and more journalists are experiencing less job security at the CBC. The chilling effect you referred to can certainly have an impact on journalists who are in those vulnerable positions. I'm not saying that it will happen, but we could see contract workers practising self-censorship. Their contracts are renewed periodically. They don't enjoy the same level of job security that unionized journalists do. And the bill clearly states that the Treasury Board can make rules that apply to non-unionized employees as well.
On May 23rd, 2013. See this statement in context.