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Tyler Rogerson

Abstract

Since becoming the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre has campaigned on defunding Canada’s English-language national broadcaster, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). In the opinion of Mr. Poilievre, Canadian tax dollars would be put to better use if the Canadian government ceased subsidizing the CBC and encouraged private broadcasters to fill the cultural and entertainment void left in its wake. Mr. Poilievre’s campaign promise to defund the CBC comes at an interesting time in Canadian politics. With the resignation of Justin Trudeau, an imminent federal election, and the 51st State rhetoric echoing from the White House, Canadians have had their national identity called into question. Prior to the return of Donald Trump to the American Presidency, the CBC’s funding was a relatively minor issue on the Canadian campaign trail; however, since January 2025, the future of the CBC has been thrust into the political spotlight. It is for this reason that a contemporary review of the CBC’s value to Canadians became necessary.

This paper illustrates that the political turmoil surrounding the CBC and its significance to Canadian entertainment culture is not new. The role of the CBC in protecting Canada’s national identity from the threat of American cultural imperialism has been the subject of political debate in Canada for nearly a century. Ultimately, this paper explains that the CBC is a public utility that is statutorily obligated to create programming that is distinctly Canadian– –not to turn a profit. As Canada’s public broadcaster, the CBC serves as an alternative to the relentless waves of American programming that flood north across the 49th parallel. The continued existence of the CBC is critical to the protection of a distinctly Canadian identity, and the Corporation deserves to continue to receive funding from the Canadian Government. As Canadians head to the polls on April 28, 2025, they will have an opportunity to vote on the future of the CBC and, in turn, the protection of Canada’s national identity.

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