99.1 PU UPDATE THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION
Whereas, Over the years, (1976, 82, 87 and 91) the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) has urged the Government of Canada to financially support the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in order that it may fulfill its mandate as stated in the Broadcast Act; and
Whereas, While the CBC is responsible to Parliament, the arm’s length relationship between the CBC and the government has been an established principle since the founding of Canada’s public broadcasting system in 1936; and
Whereas, The success of the CBC as a public broadcaster rests on the maintenance of this arm’s length relationship which now respects its journalistic and artistic independence; and
Whereas, This principle has been protected by members of the Board of Directors serving “during good behaviour” for a specified term, only to be removed “for cause”; and
Whereas, Bill C44’s proposal to amend Section 36 of the broadcasting Act, violating this principle by proposing that the members of the Board of Directors continue in office “during Pleasure” has now been withdrawn; and
Whereas, However, the practice of the CBC President and Board members being appointed by the government of the day continues the possibility of political influence and reduces the independence of the corporation; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) commend the Government of Canada for withdrawing the proposed amendment to Section 36 of the Broadcasting Act that would have threatened the arm’s length relationship between the Canadian Broadcasting corporation CBC) and the government of the day; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the NCWC express to the Government of Canada its continuing endorsement to the role of the CBC in providing balanced national, regional, and local news broadcasts, news analysis and coverage of international affairs; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to establish a new process for the appointment of the CBC President and Board of Directors that would further ensure their independence from political pressures; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to provide stable funding for the CBC at a level adequate to permit it to fulfill its mandate.