In the definition of the CRTC, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, it is clearly stated that a community radio station “must be owned and controlled by a not-for-profit organization which provides for membership, management, operation and programming primarily by members of the community at large.” So it goes without saying.
This is certainly one of the main reasons why so many Canadians volunteer for the stations so actively. I think you will be surprised at the figures we will be presenting to you later on.
However, it is not easy for small organizations like ours to provide both training and supervision of our volunteer and human resources without adequate and permanent funding, which unfortunately is not forthcoming right now. Our radios, much more than other stations, are the ones that foster the emergence of new musical and local talents by showcasing their works. Not one commercial radio station in Canada can boast that it broadcasts emerging talents the way campus and community radio stations do. Just listen to any private radio station and you will see that I am right.
Not all of our radio stations are the cornerstones of the social and community activity in their areas, because they do not all share the same markets or realities, but the fact remains that they must all make considerable and sometimes superhuman efforts to fulfil their broadcasting mandate which seeks to be both open and inclusive. If we are to offer effective coverage of local, community and social aspects, something that neither CBC/Radio-Canada nor private radio stations can or want to do, then it is essential that community and campus radio stations receive funding accordingly.
Regardless of what many people think and say, and despite all the good will of the public and private sectors—far be it from me to criticize them—they are not the ones who advertise social and community events or publicize vaccination clinics or children's services. This often falls to community media, and they need to continue to do so now and in the future.