Madam Speaker, a labour dispute has been dragging on at Radio Nord Communications in Abitibi—Témiscamingue since October 25. As a result, the population there is being deprived of a source of information provided by real reporters.
This company is in a monopoly situation as far as regional television coverage is concerned, being affiliated with TVA, Radio-Canada and TQS.
The services provided by Radio Nord are deteriorating and this has a direct impact on the people living in communities far removed from major urban centres.
Radio Nord no longer has any reporters assigned to the Abitibi West region, or even in the Témiscamingue area.
Radio Nord is gradually disengaging from Abitibi—Témiscamingue by centralizing its operations in Gatineau.
Radio Nord has applied to the CRTC to reduce the length of its regional news broadcasts on each of its stations.
Both parties need to return to the bargaining table and reach a negotiated agreement.