The Future of the CBC/Radio-Canada - "Tous amis de Radio-Canada" Launches White Paper

The Future of the CBC/Radio-Canada - "Tous amis de Radio-Canada" Launches White Paper

OTTAWA, April 29, 2014 /CNW/ - This morning, at the Parliamentary Press Gallery, the group Tous amis de Radio-Canada officially launched the White Paper on the future of the CBC/Radio-Canada. This document, written by the president of the Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada (FNC-CSN), Alex Levasseur, raises several fundamental issues of funding, governance and programming concerning the only Canadian public broadcaster.

"This document is part of the tradition of white papers that describe a situation objectively and factually, thus helping to take a stand and make smart decisions. In addition to the history and description of services offered by the CBC/Radio-Canada, we studied other public broadcasters around the world to raise thirteen thought-provoking questions. We are launching it just as the CBC/Radio-Canada management makes significant cuts totalling $130 million, causing more than 650 layoffs. These recent events show that now, more than ever, we need to think about and especially debate on the future of our Corporation," said Alex Levasseur, author of the document.

It should be recalled that following the announcement of the new austerity measures, the Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada requested a moratorium on current cuts and demanded that a public parliamentary commission on the future of the CBC/Radio-Canada be held as soon as possible.

Three launches of White Paper on the future of the CBC/Radio-Canada are planned: one in Québec City, one in Montreal and one in Moncton.

"Having lived more than forty years of my life at the service of the CBC/Radio-Canada, I am very pleased to take part in this initiative aimed at asking real questions on issues that are not currently addressed. I hope with all my heart that Canadians will seize the opportunity to take part in our efforts," added Pierre Maisonneuve, Tous amis de Radio-Canada spokesperson, at the launch held in Québec City last night.

"We had planned on launching White Paper for a while now, and the dark times that we still live in explain how urgent and relevant it is to address and speak publicly about this issue. Without debate and without a warrant, the government is slowly but surely dismantling one of the essential public services in a democracy, one whose mandate is to educate, inform and entertain Canadians. We have provided a copy to all Canadian members of Parliament and senators. In this sense, we invite them to reflect on and discuss the questions and issues raised therein, and with all Canadians," concluded Mr. Levasseur.

The Tous amis de Radio-Canada campaign aims to defend our entire single national public broadcaster. It is organised by the Confédération des syndicats nationaux, together with the Fédération nationale des communications-CSN and the Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada (FNC-CSN).

The Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada represents 1,600 members in the province of Québec and in Moncton and is affiliated with the Fédération nationale des communications-CSN, which is composed of 7,000 members working in culture and communications.

Founded in 1921, the CSN is a trade union federation that works towards a cohesive, democratic, just, fair and sustainable society. To this end, the CSN takes part in many debates that concern Quebeckers. The CSN federates almost 2,000 unions and represents more than 300,000 workers on a sectoral or professional basis within eight federations, as well as regionally via 13 central councils, primarily in the province of Quebec.

SOURCE Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada (FNC-CSN)

Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada (FNC-CSN)

CONTACT: Martin Petit, Communications Department of the CSN, Phone: 514-894-1326, martin.petit@csn.qc.ca


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