No CBC? No Local Voice! No Way!!!

Sudbury East/Est-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt

Authorized by the Official Agent of Marc G. Serré./Autorisé par l’agent officiel de Marc G. Serré.

ELECT/RÉÉLISEZ

Letter to the Editor

For Immediate Publication April 2, 2025

No CBC? No Local Voice! No Way!!!

Pierre Poilievre was in Sudbury just a few weeks ago and he reaffirmed his position on the CBC. He has openly said in the past that he would defund it. So, why is this so important to Northern Ontario residents?

Here in Northern Ontario, we understand what that means. No more Up North with Jonathan Pinto… Points North… or Morning North with Markus Schwabe.

No more L’Heure de pointe… Jonction 11-17…, or Radio-Canada regional news. No CBC Sudbury—no local CBC newsroom at all.

No stories about Manitoulin, Azilda, Valley East, West Nipissing, Temiskaming Shores, or the North Shore. Just silence where our local voices and stories used to be. What a shameful neglect of the community's needs

One less segue for Northern voices, artists, or issues to air. Our unique culture and perspectives further silenced.

In a region where nearly half the population in places like Sudbury East-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt, identify as Francophone, cutting funding for the CBC would be detrimental to French-language content and news.

This isn’t just about a the loss of a broadcaster. It’s about our local heritage and bilingualism. It’s also about political accountability for all levels of governments, regardless of political stripes… and yes, that includes mine! Additionally, it’s about our regional identity, and access to vital information. When private networks pull out, CBC stays. When disasters strike, CBC reports. When Northern artists, authors, and musicians need a platform, CBC amplifies their voices.

For many Indigenous and remote communities, CBC is not just a station—it is the only reliable source of news and emergency updates.

Pierre Poilievre openly admitted CBC was on the chopping block. You don’t have to dig too deep to unearth what his government did last time they were in power. Let's be honest: Pierre Poilievre isn't interested in Northern Ontario values. He values rhetoric, fearmongering and negativity.

Actions speak louder than words. I have and will always stand up to support resources that benefit residents of Northern Ontario and that includes support for CBC/Radio-Canada. People of Northern Ontario deserve to be seen, heard, and respected.

Let’s not trade trusted voices for empty slogans. Instead, let’s protect the institutions that connect and reflect our identity.

Sincerely,

Marc G. Serré, Federal Liberal Candidate

Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt