Liberal leadership candidates speak out on Canadian culture and broadcasting

The will elect a Eight of the eleven candidates respond- All were asked to keep their responses new leader in December. FRIENDS of ed and we are pleased to provide their to 150 words per question. Where candi- Canadian Broadcasting asked each of responses to you. Further information dates significantly exceeded this limit, the eleven candidates seeking the job about the candidates or the views they we have edited their responses. for their views on four key Canadian express here may be obtained by con- The unedited text is available at broadcasting and cultural issues. tacting them at the co-ordinates listed www.friends.ca/liberalleadershipcandidates. on the reverse side.

Carolyn Bennett Campaign Campaign Scott Brison Campaign Martha Hall Findlay Campaign 330 Bay Street, Suite 812 381 Kent Street, Suite 206 1 Nicholas Street, Suite 512 29 Gervais Drive , Ontario M5H 2S8 Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2A8 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7 Toronto, Ontario M3C 1Y9

Toll Free: 1-888-628-7404 Phone: (613) 693-0919 Phone: (416) 444-6532 Phone: (613) 230-9350 Fax: (416) 444-3793 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.carolynbennett.ca www.maurizio.ca. www.scottbrison.ca www.marthahallfindlay.ca

Michael Ignatieff Campaign Gerard Kennedy Campaign Campaign Office Campaign 14A Isabella Street 65 St. Clair Avenue E., 2nd Floor 468 Queen Street East, Suite 105 520 Bronson Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1N1 Toronto, Ontario, M4T 2Y3 Toronto, Ontario M5A 1T7 Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7Y9

Phone: (647) 724-8515 ext. 220 Toll Free 1-800-622-9399 Toll Free: 1-888-364-8085 Phone: (613) 232-1002 Fax: (647) 435-6744 Phone: (416) 849-3432 Phone: (416) 364-8085 Fax: 1-866-236-1491 Fax: (416) 364-7441 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.michaelignatieff.ca www.gerardkennedy.ca www.bobrae.ca www.joevolpe.ca Liberal leadership candidates speak out on Canadian culture and broadcasting FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting

QUESTION ONE: Protecting Canada’s cultural sovereignty Foreign companies are already permitted to own up to 47% of Canadian broadcasters and some of our broadcasters want to sell out completely to American interests. Do you believe it is important to maintain Canadian majority ownership of our media and communications sectors?

Carolyn Bennett Maurizio Bevilacqua Scott Brison Martha Hall Findlay

Yes, I do agree that this is vital. I believe that Canada’s cultural identi- Canadian ownership and control can Majority Canadian ownership of ty must be protected. Canadian pro- be a bit of a misnomer – in theory it is Canadian broadcasters has been a sig- gramming is essential to preserving important for Canadians to control our nificant and positive factor in the Canadian culture and will not be sold cultural industries but what really mat- development and strengthening of a to foreign interests. The biggest poten- ters is Canadian content.... I fully sup- strong, domestic Canadian industry. tial problem of selling Canadian pro- port Canadian content requirements, And it is helpful, at least in the current grams to foreign interests is that the no matter whether entities are environment, to maintain these con- Canadian content may not be protect- Canadian or foreign-owned. Without trol limits. ed. Rules currently exist to protect Canadian content requirements, there What is equally important, howev- Canadian ownership as well as rules is no guarantee that even a Canadian- er, is the leadership role that the fed- that protect a certain level of owned entity would air Canadian pro- eral government is willing to take in Canadian content. These rules must gramming. I do agree however that financially encouraging the develop- be enforced and I have no intentions domestically-controlled entities are ment of a made in Canada production to modify foreign ownership limits. more likely to invest in developing capacity and for Canadians to read, lis- Canada’s cultural sovereignty is best new Canadian talent. This was one of ten or watch their Canadian stories. protected with rules that are strictly the reasons why I supported the We are more likely to encourage a followed that ensure a certain portion appeal to Cabinet on satellite radio to strong domestic industry, not through of media in Canada is Canadian con- ask the CRTC to reconsider their deci- command and control, but through tent. sion.... the innovative use of the tax system I believe that Canada presently has and other public policy tools to an appropriate balance in the area of encourage Canadians to produce, broadcaster ownership/ control. Canadians to distribute and However, with new technologies, we Canadians to consume Canadian pro- cannot develop Canadian cultural poli- ductions. cy in a vacuum nor ignore these emerging trends.... cultural policy must always remain on the “front burner” in the House of Commons.

Michael Ignatieff Gerard Kennedy Bob Rae Joe Volpe

Yes. As a general statement on my views Canada must continue to maintain Yes foreign ownership limits for broad- on broadcast policy in Canada, I think majority Canadian ownership of our casting and telecommunications should that the House of Commons Standing own media and communications sec- be maintained at current levels. Committee on Canadian Heritage (the tor. Few countries face comparable “Committee”) report “Our Cultural challenges in maintaining national Sovereignty” (the “Report”) was an ownership and culturally relevant con- outstanding bipartisan document and tent, due to the tremendous power of that a government I lead will be guid- the giant media conglomerates of the ed by many of the recommendations United States. I have always been a in the Report. firm supporter of legislation to protect As one witness told the Committee the Canadian media industry, and will in 2003, ownership in broadcasting: continue to ensure legislative protec- “... has an importance well beyond tion for Canadian-owned media. In most commodities. It’s not a commod- the debate on the Free Trade ity, it’s a cultural influence, and that’s Agreement, I stressed this aspect of why we are here to talk about it and our national interest. It is the only way not about cups and saucers and pens to promote Canadian programming in and pencils. Ownership has a great the face of pressures from our neigh- deal of influence, I believe, over what bour. is produced and why.” ... I agree with the Committee’s recommendation to maintain the cur- rent restrictions on foreign ownership. Liberal leadership candidates speak out on Canadian culture and broadcasting FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting

QUESTION TWO: More Canadian drama programs on television Since the CRTC relaxed Canadian programming regulations in 1999, private broadcasters have fed Canadian audiences a steady diet of cheap American programs while the quality and quantity of Canadian drama have declined. Do you think it is important to increase the quantity and quality of Canadian drama television programs on TV? How would you ensure Canada’s broadcasters air more and better Canadian drama programs?

Carolyn Bennett Maurizio Bevilacqua Scott Brison Martha Hall Findlay

I believe we should review the CRTC Canadian broadcasters produce a lot of ...In terms of new Canadian drama, Borders are breaking down in broad- regulations in light of the need to high quality programming be it in there is no question that we face a sig- casting. We can no longer assume that maintain Canadian drama production sports, comedy, news or drama. In the nificant challenge... Drama is relatively Canadians and the Canadian broad- and broadcasting. I believe the position francophone market, Canadian-made expensive to produce – producing and casting industry can shelter behind a of CBC is particularly important for dramatic productions have developed marketing these shows typically costs government-regulated communications Canadian drama. Being married to popular followings and are some of the many fold more than, say, news or industry. Canadian filmmaker Peter O’Brian has top rated programs. In the English mar- sports programming. Furthermore, the We do need a made-in-Canada meant that I have cringed every time I kets, Canadian drama television does United States is a global powerhouse in approach to production support from have seen ‘An American President’ or not do as well. The issue is complex producing drama programs.... These US the federal government. One that pro- ‘Apollo 13’ on CBC television. CBC due to our physical closeness to the programs are generally quite popular vides quality content to Canadian must have the budget to produce excel- world’s largest English television mar- with Canadians, as with viewers of broadcasters and one that can help lence in original Canadian drama, as ket, the United States. Americans can other countries. For these reasons, it is bridge from a regulatory-driven agenda well as in news and public affairs, and sell programs at prices that are far important for Canadians to determine to a consumer-driven outcome. We coverage of national events. The CBC lower than what it would cost to pro- whether forcing new Canadian drama need to have a strategy that financially should also have a role in cross- duce the show in Canada. We should into this picture should be our top cul- rebuilds the CBC’s production capacity promoting Canadian film, music and strive to create made-in-Canada televi- tural priority, or whether other areas that has been ravaged by over a decade culture. sion, but the greater focus should be such as documentaries, children’s pro- of budget cuts. Not because the CBC made-for-Canada television. The govern- gramming, satellite radio and news should be “protected”, but because it ment must work with the CRTC, which is production may merit greater priority. can be the engine of strategic growth ultimately responsible for high quality Certainly it would be my preference in Canada and a global approach to production. to have more quality Canadian drama broadcasting. I will focus on working toward high programs that reflect our unique cultur- We need to believe that Canada’s quality production, rather than trying to al identity and also contribute to a cultural industries are critical for our overproduce Canadian dramas. I sup- growing job-creating broadcasting economic success domestically and port the Canadian Television Fund and industry here at home. Therefore, I internationally and fund them accord- feel it should be strengthened and pre- would like to meet with interested ingly. served. stakeholders to discuss this issue in greater detail.

Michael Ignatieff Gerard Kennedy Bob Rae Joe Volpe

Yes. ...English Canadian [drama] program- Arlene and I are avid fans of the CBC, Yes, Canadians should be able to enjoy This isn’t just a drama issue. ming that will attract a large audience both TV and radio, and watching and excellent Canadian drama program- Canadian broadcasters need to air has become very costly. This is because listening to CBC programs has been an ming. The federal government should more and better drama, documentary viewers, particularly in English Canada, integral part of life with our three consider establishing clear targets for and news programs. Certainly there is a have grown accustomed to American daughters. We have been shaped and Canadian drama in programming. All need to increase overall funding in the programs with high-production values. stirred by the wonderful dramas and decisions about Canadian content development of Canadian content. But Further complicating matters is the fact documentaries that bring to life the should be made by a centralized body. the issue is much bigger than that. We that American programming is cheaper achievements and personalities of sig- need to have broadcasters wanting to buy and generates a higher rate of nificant people who are part of our his- Canadian programming. That means return for Canada's broadcasters than tory. It is the specifically Canadian out- improving the process that brings them the purchase or production of made-in- look of our own drama programs which from the concept stage through to final Canada programming. makes them so important for promoting production. It means improving the cal- As the Report pointed out, this chal- and sharing the Canadian experience. ibre of the programming. As a conse- lenge is not new.... While there have Canadian broadcasters, particularly the quence, I would undertake to initiate a been some successes, challenges CBC, need to air even more high-quality Bi-Partisan Task Force of political lead- remain. The current funding system for drama programming. One solution ers, industry stakeholders and Canadian Canadian programming has become an would be to promote many more pilot citizens to fully examine the Canadian exceptionally complicated and bewil- dramas, in order to test what Broadcasting Industry and provide rec- dering experience. I support the Canadians would like to see. This could ommendations on how to improve this Report's finding that the federal gov- also provide opportunities for more vital industry. ernment must develop a comprehensive young talent to break in. I would also and integrated Canadian programming hope to promote strong and responsi- policy and strategy.... ble management of the CBC to main- I would also undertake a thorough tain and improve the quality and quan- review of the manner in which the fed- tity of CBC-produced drama programs. eral government finances programming in this country both in terms of tax credits and through direct funding. Liberal leadership candidates speak out on Canadian culture and broadcasting FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting

QUESTION THREE: Re-building CBC’s grassroots capacity CBC’s connection to Canadians and the communities in which they live has weakened in recent years. Grassroots programs and CBC’s presence across the country have been slashed in the face of severe budget cuts. Today’s centrally produced programs make CBC look more like the Toronto Broadcasting Corporation than the national public broadcaster it should be. Do you believe the federal government should ensure that CBC has the resources and commitment to serve Canadians in their communities wherever they live? If so, how would you accomplish this goal?

Carolyn Bennett Maurizio Bevilacqua Scott Brison Martha Hall Findlay

Again, resources are vital. CBC must be The CBC is a very important cultural From my perspective, as an Atlantic We have to acknowledge that there is the nation’s broadcaster, and it requires institution that offers programming to Canadian with rural roots, this is a very intense competition for federal tax dol- augmented resources so it can fulfil this all the regions of Canada. The federal important question. The CBC is lars. There needs to be more federal mandate. It must bridge the distances government dedicated $120 million arguably Canada’s most important cul- government support for the creation of and cultural diversity of our country in from 2001 to 2003 to the CBC to help tural institution, offering Canadians in Canadian written, produced and deliv- both official languages. CBC and Radio offer more safe, commercial free pro- all regions the potential to speak with ered production. Canada must be able to subtitle and gramming every year. The CBC should one another.... The CBC has become... Ottawa needs to ensure that there is dub where necessary. It is imperative also continue to utilize the resources more Toronto-centric... during recent balance between public and private sec- that English Canada be exposed to our available, including the internet. The years. One could also argue that CBC tor broadcasters and one approach is to vibrant Quebec culture and that internet gives the CBC an opportunity programming, in an effort to “com- encourage the private sector to pick up Quebeckers be able to understand the to transmit into communities across the pete” for ratings and advertising dollars the community aspect of the broadcast- reality of the one million francophones country. Part of CBC’s mandate is to with privately controlled newspapers ing environment and the public sector outside Quebec as well as the chal- enlighten and inform Canadians and I and broadcasters, has become more to tackle a broader Canadian vision. lenges of English Canada. support any effort to do this. focused on the frivolous and less on the But that broader Canadian vision needs It is important to reach out to differ- substantive in this age of reality televi- to be adequately funded and that must ent regions in Canada. In many indus- sion. In terms of the need for added be addressed. trialized countries public broadcasting resources, CBC already receives a sig- is still the main instrument in public nificant capital infusion – in the order policy formation in broadcasting. The of one billion dollars annually. I would CBC may not be able to play the same have to examine this issue in greater role in every region and this role might detail to determine whether this be changing from what it was in the amount is invested effectively. If there is past, but making sure that some role a proven need for greater CBC funding still exists between regions and the to fulfill a broad national mandate, CBC is vital. The focus of funding for then I would ensure that increased the CBC should be on the regions that funding would be provided.... receive very little broadcasting because this is where the broadcasting can be most valuable.

Michael Ignatieff Gerard Kennedy Bob Rae Joe Volpe

I believe the CBC is underfunded. I also As somebody who grew up in a small, Canada is a country of regions, each Funding given to the Corporation believe the first mandate of the CBC is rural community (The Pas, in Northern with very distinct issues, cultures, and should take into account its local and to provide content that reaches out to all Manitoba), I know how important local needs. We also have a national per- regional programming responsibilities Canadians, in all regions, in a consistent broadcasting can be.... The Committee spective and shared values that deserve as included in the Broadcasting Act. manner. The matter of whether a was concerned that community, local celebration and affirmation. This must The Federal government should give the broadened Federal government commit- and regional broadcasting services have be reflected in the programming CBC multi-year stable funding to allow ment to the network is employed to become endangered, and that many offered by our public broadcaster. As the Corporation to implement its local deliver at a local level is a matter which parts of Canada are being underserved. my friend Noreen Golfman has pointed and regional plan which it presented to needs to be closely examined on a I share that concern.... The status quo out, this isn’t a nicety – it’s the law. The the standing committee on Canadian community by community basis. In is not working. Broadcasting Act clearly states that the Heritage last year. some instances, private broadcasters The paradox is, at the precise time CBC must reflect all parts of Canada provide capable local broadcast com- that we are failing our local communi- and recognize the special needs of mitment. ties and regions, new technologies like regions. I would make it a priority to digital channels and the proliferation of strengthen regional programming to high speed internet access are making the CBC, and would make the it both cheaper and technologically resources available for the CBC to do easier to get more local voices on the so. The cuts to the CBC regional offices air.... CBC should produce high quality went too far, in my view. I would civic and cultural programs while pro- strengthen the CBC’s regional offices.... moting local voices and perspectives... I also believe that regional offices to represent and speak to Canadians would enhance innovation within the from all parts of the country including broadcaster, by creating programming big cities, small towns and villages.... I and opportunities for young and estab- will provide sufficient federal funding to lished talent throughout the country allow the CBC to implement its strate- rather than always in Toronto. gic plan to ensure that the CBC re- grow their local offerings. Liberal leadership candidates speak out on Canadian culture and broadcasting FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting

QUESTION FOUR: End patronage appointments to CBC’s Board Positions on CBC’s Board, including its President, are currently Prime Ministerial patronage appointments. The Commons Heritage Committee unanimously recommended reforming this practice so that CBC’s Board is appointed at arms-length from patronage to include the best and brightest Canadians, and that this Board, not the Prime Minister, should have the power to hire CBC’s President. Friends believes that implementation of this reform would likely have prevented the recent lockout of CBC employees. Should the practice of political patronage appointments to CBC’s Board be ended and should the Board be given responsibility to hire and fire CBC’s President?

Carolyn Bennett Maurizio Bevilacqua Scott Brison Martha Hall Findlay

I believe the Board should be able to I agree with the recommendations I agree with the process developed [No response] hire, do performance appraisals of, from the House of Commons Heritage under the Martin government wherein and fire the President. I also believe Committee that reforms should be the federal government appoints the the President should be someone with made to the CBC’s Board of Directors. Chair of crown corporations, such as a background in broadcasting. The CBC’s Board should have control the CBC, and the Chair and fellow over appointments and should not be board members select the President. in the hands of the government to The appropriate political accountability make the decisions. The reason for this for crown corporations rests in the link is to stress accountability and to make between the Chair and the responsible sure that the best people are being Minister. put into the appropriate positions. The CBC ultimately will be more efficient if the best people are assigned to the board, fulfilling the goals of Board members and the government. If the Board is free of patronage appoint- ments, then we can look at the issue of the Board having the responsibility to hire and fire CBC’s President. If the Board is free of patronage appoint- ments, then they should have the responsibility to hire and fire the CBC’s President.

Michael Ignatieff Gerard Kennedy Bob Rae Joe Volpe

The CBC board should be comprised I believe in a CBC with a strong, inde- It is important that there remains All GIC appointments should be based of people who represent the best and pendent Board of Directors and a some direct oversight in the manage- on a merit based system. The most the brightest in the Canadian media President who is accountable to that ment of the CBC from the elected qualified person for the position community. All appointments, at the Board. As such, I agree with the Government of Canada – due both to should be put forth. The criteria and CBC as elsewhere, should be merit- Report’s recommendations that “in its cultural mandate and its taxpayer guidelines for the hiring of the based and should strive to reflect the interests of fuller accountability subsidy.... I would be very careful that President and board members of the Canada’s diversity. The board should and arm’s-length from government, an arms-length procedure would not CBC should be developed in coopera- have responsibility for the CBC’s nominations to the CBC Board should remove the management of CBC from tion with Department of Canadian President. be made by a number of sources, and its responsibility to the Parliament of Heritage and the Standing Committee the CBC President should be hired by Canada. Similarly, I would not on Canadian Heritage. and be responsible to the Board.” empower the Board of CBC in the hir- I am concerned with the fact that ing and firing of management to such women, aboriginals and minorities a degree that the Corporation have been under-represented on the becomes divorced from its relationship CBC Board, as have appointees from to the Government of Canada. I western and northern Canada. In believe in appointments based on selecting future Board members, we experience and merit, conducted should ensure that the Board is broad- transparently and fairly.... ly representative of the country. Improving the appointment proce- dure can best be achieved through the introduction of a fair and transparent process, ending in an appointment on behalf of the elected government of Canada. This is the best way to encourage appointments based upon merit rather than patronage....