TIME TO BRING CBC LOCAL RADIO TO 15 MORE COMMUNITIES
NDP CALLS ON CONSERVATIVES TO MOVE ON PLAN

OTTAWA: Bill Siksay M.P. (Burnaby-Douglas) and New Democratic Party Canadian Heritage Critic, today called on the Conservative government to immediately move on a CBC/Radio Canada plan to bring local CBC/Radio Canada radio services to 8 million Canadians in 15 communities. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage also supported the plan in its review of the CBC/Radio Canada mandate which was released today.

“CBC/Radio Canada local radio is one of the great success stories of our national public broadcasters,” noted Siksay. “As many Canadians as possible should benefit from the particular perspective and services that CBC/Radio Canada local radio can bring to the cultural, economic, political and democratic life of a community. CBC/Radio Canada local radio would make a significant difference to the people of Barrie.”

“The fullest range of CBC/Radio Canada services should be available to as many Canadians as possible, and moving immediately on the local radio plan would ensure that 8 million more Canadians can enjoy and be informed by the distinct perspective of CBC/Radio Canada. The Conservative government and the Minister of Canadian Heritage should move without delay”, concluded Siksay.

New stations are proposed for the following 15 communities: Kitchener/London, Montreal South Shore, Hamilton, Barrie, Kingston, The Laurentians, Lethbridge/Medicine Hat, Drummondville, Red Deer, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Fort McMurray, Chilliwack, Saskatoon, and Cranbrook.

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For more information, please contact:
Office of Bill Siksay, MP 613-996-5597