"I've suggested that government subsidies in supportof CBC's services should be to those things that are not... Do not have commercial alternatives." |
Dear Friend,
I am writing you on an urgent matter to ask you to make a special contribution to strengthen FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting as we prepare to battle for the future of public broadcasting in this country.
On November 5, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Hubert Lacroix as CBC's new President. According to data on the web site of the Chief Electoral Officer, Lacroix contributed $1,000 (the maximum allowable amount) to a Conservative candidate during last year's general election, and later last year contributed a second $1,000 to the Conservative riding association of Vaudreuil-Solange shortly after the nomination of Senator Michael Fortier as the Conservative candidate in that riding. Senator Fortier is the political minister for Montreal in Harper's cabinet.
Lacroix is a mergers and acquisitions lawyer who has apparently never run a company, let alone a media company. However, he did serve as executive chair of family-owned TeleMedia, during the period when its owners sold off their broadcasting assets some years ago.
Why would Stephen Harper appoint someone lacking broadcasting management experience as President of CBC?
Harper's action raises troubling questions, especially in view of extensive evidence FRIENDS has compiled of the Prime Minister's hidden agenda for public broadcasting and cultural sovereignty.
We know that the vast majority of Canadians value our public broadcasting traditions and want CBC to survive and flourish. FRIENDS' watchdog role is more important today then ever before in view of this grave threat to Canadian public broadcasting.
Please join me in making a special contribution to strengthen FRIENDS at this critical juncture. With your support we will keep a close eye on Harper's government and CBC's senior management. The stakes are high, and together, we can make a difference!
Best regards and thanks!
Ian Morrison
Spokesperson
FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting
P.S. We are facing the fight of our lives to protect our precious CBC. Please make your special contribution today.
P.P.S. Here are some links to press coverage of Harper's appointment: