Media Release
Office of Anthony Rota, M.P.
Nipissing-Timiskaming

March 26, 2009
For Immediate Release

CBC RESTRUCTURING: MP ROTA DENOUNCES CONSERVATIVE INACTION

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota believes that the current financial problems facing CBC/Radio-Canada could have been avoided altogether if the Conservative government had done more to prevent job losses and asset sales.

“The Conservative government has long been aware of the financial problems facing Canada’s publicly funded broadcast company,” says Mr. Rota, “but their apparent inaction has forced CBC/Radio-Canada to make changes to their programming and services which will severely limit the company’s ability to carry out its national mandate.”

Mr. Rota was reacting to news reports today that 800 full-time jobs will be cut before September, including several in Sudbury and Thunder Bay.  According to Mr. Rota, “These cuts will have a devastating impact on broadcasting services to communities throughout Northern Ontario, and in particular those in remote areas.”

According to Mr. Rota, the Conservative government has denied bridge financing and advance payments to the national broadcaster, resulting in drastic reductions in spending and services.  “The Conservatives are ignoring the fact that CBC/Radio-Canada is of huge importance to Canadians from Coast-to-Coast, and in particular the people of Northern Ontario,” says Mr. Rota.

“I have the utmost respect for CBC/Radio-Canada, and my Liberal colleagues and I want to ensure that Canada’s national broadcasting company can continue to increase audiences in both radio and television,” says Mr. Rota.  “Simply put, the role and mandate of the CBC/Radio-Canada must be preserved, and the Conservative government has a responsibility to ensure that these priorities remain.”

- 30 -