Mr. Speaker, yesterday the closing of Radio Canada International was announced in Montreal.
This means an end to the Canadian Forces Network, which brought Canadian programming to our peacekeepers around the world. It means an end to the English and French language shortwave services which kept Canadians travelling, working or living overseas in touch with Canada.
The end of shortwave broadcasts in eight languages, which are the voice of Canada around the world, will have an even more devastating effect.
In 1995, the foreign policy review conducted by the government concluded that RCI was in a perfect position to promote Canadian values abroad.
The Business Council on National Issues itself pointed out that the station was creating a demand for Canadian goods and services.
The Broadcasting Act requires the CBC to provide an international service. I call on the Liberals to reverse this shameful decision and ensure continued support for Radio Canada International. Canada must not be the only G-7 nation-