Green Party Dismayed at CBC’s Plan to Sell its Properties

(OTTAWA) – The Green Party is disappointed to hear CBC’s plan to sell all its properties across the country.

“The information made public by the Canadian Media Guild is appalling,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and candidate (Saanich–Gulf Islands). “For CBC–Radio-Canada to sell these assets makes no sense. They were paid for by Canadians and should remain in public hands. What’s happening is the perfect example of the consequences of the Harper Decade.”

“The Greens have the most substantial plan for restoring CBC’s role,” continued May. "We will commit to reversing the Harper Conservatives’ $117-million cut, and invest an additional $168 million this year and $315 million every year thereafter to rebuild the CBC and Radio-Canada’s local coverage and capacity. We will also restructure the governance of the public broadcaster. Appointments to the board should be made based on skill and merit, rather than political influence and patronage.”

Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada and candidate (Thunder Bay—Superior North) continued: “It’s very sad that we have lost CBC television in Thunder Bay and that cuts to CBC radio have been implemented. The CBC is an important voice that pulls North-western Ontario together and provides a sense of community.

“It is imperative that the federal government support our national public broadcaster and when I am re-elected this fall, I will fight to ensure that we maintain and restore CBC radio,” concluded Hyer.

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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca

Or

Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications 
t: 613.562.4916 (200) 
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca