“We’re going to defund the CBC.”
That’s one of the most drastic vows Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has made heading into the federal election on April 28.
His plan? Strip the CBC of its $1.4 billion annual funding and force it to become entirely self-sufficient—essentially tossing it into the free market arena to fend for itself through advertising and sponsorships.
This move, he claims, would save the government a billion dollars. But at what cost?
The CBC isn’t just another broadcaster. It’s one of the rare public media institutions in the democratic world known for its credibility, journalistic integrity, and comprehensive coverage—both at home and internationally. Reducing it to a commercially dependent model would erode its independence and likely lead to a slow death, as we’ve seen with other once-thriving media outlets swallowed by the pressures of profit-driven programming.
In sharp contrast, Liberal leader Mark Carney has pledged to double the CBC’s funding—a bold counterpoint to Poilievre’s slash-and-burn approach.
Despite being government-funded, the CBC has maintained its editorial autonomy, offering balanced news and insightful analysis without becoming a government mouthpiece. Its role is critical, especially in an era of rampant misinformation and hyper-partisan noise.
Rather than defunding it, we should be defending it. The CBC deserves robust public support—not an eviction notice.
Promod Puri.com 
Dear Promod Ji: I read your post concerning Pierre Poilievre’s promise to defund the CBC with great interest. I agree this is one of the most offensive promises made by the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
The mandate of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC/Radio Canada) is to inform, enlighten and entertain, while contributing to the development of a shared national consciousness and identity and culture. No other broadcaster in Canada has such a mandate.
An independent public broadcaster is a necessity for a thriving democracy, providing Canadians with shared access to high-quality local and national news and programming. The focus of private broadcasters is to make profits for their owners and shareholders. They are not interested in providing high-quality local or national news or in contributing to the development of a shared national consciousness and identity and culture.
In the face of an evolving media landscape, the rise of digital platforms, and increased polarization, Canada needs to strengthen its public service media, not defund it.
The CBC serves as a crucial remedy to the growing blight of online disinformation, ensuring that diverse voices are heard, and news is fact-checked. Defunding the CBC would further allow digital media giants to deepen societal divisions. Strengthening the CBC is an investment in a more informed, connected, and strong Canada.
The push for reduced public spending on the CBC is not an attempt to save taxpayer dollars. It is a calculated move to advance a particular political ideology that would see private broadcasters take over all media outlets and further polarize our society. We can access the revenue we need to fund our public broadcaster properly by going after multinational corporations that do not pay a fair share of taxes.
Harinder Mahil
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Very well said and explained the consequences of defunding CBC. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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