The federal government is preparing to announce significant changes to the mandate of CBC/Radio-Canada, Canada’s public broadcaster, following a lengthy review aimed at modernizing its operations. Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge is expected to reveal these changes within the next four weeks, alongside the appointment of a new CEO to replace Catherine Tait, whose term ends in January 2025.
The upcoming reforms, which are being described as potentially transformative, are intended to help the broadcaster adapt to the shifting media landscape. CBC/Radio-Canada has faced substantial challenges in recent years, including declining commercial revenues, the rise of foreign tech giants dominating the advertising market, and increased competition from private media outlets. These changes will mark the first update to the CBC’s mandate since 1991—long before the internet and digital media reshaped the industry.
One of the critical areas the new mandate will address is CBC’s funding model. The government is considering adjustments to ensure the broadcaster has the necessary resources to meet its modernized mandate. While specific funding decisions are still being finalized, officials have indicated that long-term financial stability will be a key part of the reform package.
The new CEO will play a pivotal role in guiding CBC through this period of transformation. According to a senior government official, this individual will be a “change maker” tasked with leading the broadcaster into a new era and ensuring that it can compete in an increasingly digital and globalized market. The stakes are high, with the official noting that the future of CBC could rest on the actions of its next leader.
The timing of these reforms comes as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to defund the English-language operations of CBC if elected. Poilievre has criticized the broadcaster’s funding model, arguing that its parliamentary allocation—$1.3 billion in 2024—could be better spent elsewhere. He has also proposed selling off CBC’s headquarters in Toronto and Ottawa for housing development, further fueling the debate over the broadcaster’s future.
Despite these challenges, polling suggests that a majority of Canadians support CBC/Radio-Canada and recognize its role in telling Canadian stories, particularly at a time when many local news outlets are struggling or closing. Since 2009, about 450 newspapers have gone out of business, and major broadcasters like CTV and Global have been making significant staff and programming cuts. CBC’s defenders argue that preserving the public broadcaster is essential to maintaining a distinct Canadian voice in the media landscape, especially as international giants like Netflix and Disney continue to expand their presence.
A key focus of the mandate changes will be strengthening CBC’s commitment to local news coverage. With many regions in Canada becoming “news deserts” due to the decline of local journalism, the government wants CBC to play a larger role in ensuring Canadians across the country remain informed. The reforms may also encourage greater collaboration between CBC and other local news outlets to support the broader news ecosystem.
In addition to operational changes, the government is working to rebuild trust in CBC among all Canadians, particularly those who have been critical of its direction in recent years. By addressing concerns about transparency, accountability, and bias, the new mandate will aim to make the broadcaster more trusted and relevant to a wider audience.
The reforms follow a series of layoffs at CBC last year, which were halted when the federal government provided additional funding in the 2024 federal budget. The government has also introduced legislation, including the Online News Act and the Online Streaming Act, to force major streaming and social media companies to contribute more to the Canadian news and entertainment ecosystem. These measures have been met with resistance from international firms like Meta, which has removed Canadian news from its platforms in response to the new laws.
The announcement of CBC’s new mandate and leadership is expected by the end of October or early November, just before Minister St-Onge steps back for parental leave. This major shift marks a pivotal moment for the public broadcaster, as it seeks to navigate the rapidly evolving media environment while continuing to fulfill its mission of informing and connecting Canadians from coast to coast.