Statement made on 03 November 2010 by Senator Marie-P. Poulin (Charette)
Hon. Marie-P. Poulin:
Honourable senators, yesterday, Tuesday, November 2, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation started counting down to one year of activities to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its establishment as a national public broadcaster.
When I heard that news, I immediately realized that I had had the honour and joy of being part of its development for one third of its existence. We cannot underestimate the importance of November 2, 1936, the day that Canada's Broadcasting Act came into force. That was just 69 years after Confederation, when Canada was born. At the time, a single radio station was launched. Thus began the work of creating a national communication network in our vast country.
Every single senator among us has access to one or more CBC or Société Radio-Canada stations in our own communities, from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
Today, the CBC offers a wide range of services in both official languages, in eight Aboriginal languages and with closed captioning for the hearing impaired.
From these humble beginnings, one of the largest public broadcasters in the world was born. I am proud to have been a part of its unprecedented and spectacular growth.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was, and still is, our greatest storyteller, as it broadcasts shows to all the regions of our vast country. It has united the country and bred our own cultural expression, whether through music, entertainment, literature, theatre, children's programming, information, news, public affairs or sports. It is very difficult to imagine Canada without the CBC, which has produced a rare breed of international celebrities, including singers, comedians, actors and highly respected news commentators.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who have worked for the CBC over the years on their many achievements.