End Political Patronage at the CBC
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On November 15th, the five-year appointment of Robert Rabinovitch as
President of the CBC will expire. As you may know, Rabinovitch was
appointed by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
FRIENDS strongly supports the unanimous recommendation of the House of
Commons Heritage Committee that “the CBC President should be hired by and
be responsible to the Board” – not the Prime Minister. FRIENDS believes it
is essential that CBC, as Canada’s national public broadcaster, remain
arm’s-length from government. That’s why FRIENDS so strongly supports the
Heritage Committee’s recommendation.
Last week, FRIENDS released a research study on patronage appointments to CBC and the CRTC. Full details are available on FRIENDS’ website,
www.friends.ca
Prime Minister Paul Martin has spoken out against “who you know”
appointments in favour of merit appointments. He has indicated he intends
to devolve power from the Prime Minister’s Office to Members of Parliament.
And last March, at the height of the sponsorship scandal, his government
promised to involve the Boards of Crown corporations in the selection of
their CEOs.
However, we need your help to persuade Prime Minister Martin that
Rabinovitch should be the last CBC President appointed through Prime
Ministerial patronage. We believe that the current minority government
increases our chance of success.
Please take a moment now to go to FRIENDS’ Action Centre and send a letter
to the Prime Minister:
As you will see, the Action Centre is quick and easy to use, and we have
included sample message text. I urge you to personalize the message to
reflect your own views. Doing so will increase the influence of your
message. When you enter your postal code, our Action Centre will
automatically send a copy of your e-mail to your own MP and to the leaders
of the three opposition parties. It will also send a silent copy to you and
me.
Because of the importance of this matter, I would be very grateful if you
would bring it to the attention of your friends and colleagues.
Acting together, we have a real opportunity to end patronage appointments
at CBC, starting with the next President, and to make a difference for CBC
and for Canada’s cultural sovereignty.
Best regards, and thanks!
Ian Morrison
Spokesperson
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FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting is an independent, non-partisan voluntary
organization and is not affiliated with any broadcaster or political party.
@ September 26, 2004