James C McIntosh
5480 Williams Road
Richmond B C
V7E 1K3
Tel (604) 277 1504
Fax (604) 271 4652

WITNESS: (Vancouver) - WESTERN BAYSHORE HOTEL - MARCH 14/ 2007 4:30 PM - ATT: LUCIE POULIN – by invitation/text Re: (Standing committee on Canadian Heritage)

CATEGORY: THE FRASER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Dear Lucie Paulin: RE: THE ROLE OF THE CBC IN THE 21st CENTURY

I was happy indeed to learn that a TEXT presentation would be acceptable. thank you: FOR THE SAKE OF BREVITY, I WILL USE POINT FORM:

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01 Steady growth in the diversity and impact of an expanded population from all corners of the globe has enriched our heritage. On the world stage, Canada is still described as ‘more quilt than melting pot'. CBC News and Public Affairs has been the corner stone responsible for developing and maintaining this unique identity.

02 Ethnic Diversity notwithstanding, a distinct Canadian culture is respected by political leaders in various committees of the UNITED NATIONS – including members of the Security Council. In fact, both Government and Non Government Agencies, reference our Canadian identity as a ‘role model' for developing Nations in general and for the attention of world leaders in particular. This sacred trust has been nurtured and protected by Parliament since the advent of the famed MASSY REPORT and it's highly respected recommendations. This 1949 – 1951 Royal Commission on National Development in The Arts, Letters and Sciences, contains an introduction to Mass Media that provided the blueprint for " Radio Broadcasting, Television, Films in Canada, (and) The Press and Periodical Literature."

03 In their wisdom, the collective efforts of ordinary citizens canvassed by an eclectic group of Commission Members galvanized the report that begins :

whereas: IT IS DESIRABLE THAT THE CANADIAN PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THEIR COUNTRY, ITS HISTORY AND TRADITONS; AND ABOUT THEIR NATIONAL LIFE AND COMMON ACHIEVEMENT… " In this noble task, the CBC plays a dominant role!

In my view, the 502 pages in the final report became a living, breathing document that guided political leaders in protecting independence from political interference as dedicated journalists, artists, et al, developed one of the finest broadcasting systems in the entire world. The first 65 pages should be included as required reading for any citizen who would accept a position of trust on the next Board of Directors for the CBC. Those who accept executive positions should be required (and canvassed for understanding) to read the mandate upon which the report is based.

In looking ahead, one might consider the words chosen to grace the beauty and simple truth contained in the introduction of the Massy Report. It says: (quote)

"A nation is an association of reasonable beings united in a peaceful sharing of the things they cherish; therefore, to determine the quality of a nation, you must consider what those things are."

St. Augustine, The City of God X!X –xxiv /03

04 In conclusion, it is my hope that members of this very important Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage will look ahead by embracing the efforts of dedicated Canadians who provided us with words of wisdom that shine like a star in the 502 pages of the Massy Report – Royal Commission on National development in The Arts, Letters and Sciences.

05 On a very personal note, please be informed that my determination in founding The National Youth Orchestra of Canada was inspired and reinforced by the collective wisdom enshrined in the Massy Report. Responsible assistance and inspiration provided by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in news, public affairs, and the arts in particular, has, in my view, earned respect among nations. Please continue to protect and nurture high standards in all aspects of broadcasting in Canada.

Thank you.
James McIntosh

Founder: The National Youth Orchestra of Canada. (Stratford Ont Aug 1 to 14 1960)