Mr. Speaker, the CBC is grappling with the issue of whether or not to cut local and regional TV shows across the country.
There needs to be a new approach and a new way of thinking in planning the future of Canada's public broadcaster. If not, the current tug of war between the CBC and the CRTC will ensure the demise of essential CBC services. In today's multi-channel universe and with the evolving role of the Internet, the status quo is not good enough.
As chief critic for Canadian heritage, at this time I am against any increase of public funding for the CBC.
Today at the heritage committee the CBC president confirmed that there is a shortfall of between $80 million and $120 million annually but that an influx of money would not fix the supper hour newscasts across the country. He said that the private sector is already being used to help produce programs. The CBC should focus on news and documentaries, many of which come thanks to regional input.
I come from a rural riding. The CBC is the lifeline which links many rural communities in Canada.