Mr. Chair, I want to draw the minister's attention to an article by Chris Cobb with the headline, “CBC asks for extra $100 million to save regional programming” which appeared in today's Ottawa Citizen . I think most of us are very sympathetic to that. I point to New Brunswick as an example of where we do need the CBC. We need alternatives to what we are getting.
In New Brunswick media concentration is a big issue. Irving Group, one of the strongest and largest corporations in the country, owns all the daily English language newspapers in New Brunswick. It owns several weekly newspapers and periodicals and in addition to that, numerous radio stations. It is media concentration at its worst.
What I am suggesting to the minister is that there is an opportunity for the CBC to be an alternative in New Brunswick. I think people are tired of listening to the Irvings and their editorial comments and the position that they happen to take from time to time in terms of whom they support in national elections. Most Canadians find that very objectionable regardless of whom they support in an election. They have done this time and again.
I would like the minister to comment on that type of media concentration. What would her government's position be on allowing foreign ownership of newspapers in this country, in terms of competition alone? I know that is not just her decision but I do know the Government of Canada would have a position on that. I would like some comments and reflections by the minister if there is time.