Statement made on 31 March 2009 by Senator Joan Fraser
Hon. Joan Fraser:
Honourable senators, for clarification, the minister said repeatedly that CBC/Radio-Canada is getting more money than it ever has. I am a little puzzled because it is my understanding that the Main Estimates for the current fiscal year, 2009-10, authorize $1.052 billion in funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, which is $63 million less than the $1.15 billion authorized in the Main Estimates last year. Presumably, the Main Estimates are the ones upon which the CBC must base its core financial planning.
The government has delayed providing its annual $60 million top-up until after the cuts to the CBC were announced and, in any case, that top-up is, shall we say, flexible. Last year I think the CBC only received $40 million of the promised $60 million.
Can the leader please clarify the exact state over the past five years of the CBC's funding in the Main Estimates, in supplementary estimates and anything else that seems relevant? As I understand it, they are getting less money this year. Responding to this question may take notice, but I think it would be very helpful for the Senate to have a clear pattern.
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