Released on September 19, 1996
Ned Shillington, minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs,today expressed his disappointment with the continued withdrawal of the
CBC from Saskatchewan.
"The CBC, in managing its budget cuts, has continued to withdraw from
its role as a national broadcaster," Shillington said. "The Government
of Saskatchewan believes that the regional mandates of both CBC radio
and television facilities across the country must be strengthened in
order to foster both Canadian and Saskatchewan culture.
"CBC Radio in Saskatchewan has traditionally combined a unique blend of
local, regional and network programming providing a valuable community
service. The cuts announced today will reduce the ability of radio to
respond to community needs and to reflect Saskatchewan's views on the
national stage.
"Saskatchewan's loss of original French programming will reduce the
ability of our citizens to participate in the larger French-speaking
community, providing their views for a united Canada. In such a small
community, there are very few vehicles for communication and the loss
of any one of these is significant."
Shillington said Saskatchewan has continued to suggest that the CBC, as
a publicly-funded agency, has the potential for both cultural and
economic development in all regions of Canada.
"The continued centralization will mean that our people, our talents
and our ideas will not be given adequate representation nationally.
"The cuts to the CBC, announced by CBC President Perrin Beatty, will
effect both the number of people employed by the CBC in Saskatchewan
and the number of radio and television programs produced in this
province," Shillington said.
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For more information, contact:
Lynn Oliver
Senior Policy Advisor
Telecommunications and Broadcasting
Department of Intergovernmental Affairs
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8707