The Misinformed Liberal Message

I came across a Liberal post claiming we should fund the CBC and not defund the CBC, and honestly, it was misleading. They threw out some points, but they left out a ton of important details to make their argument sound better. Surprising, huh? I decided to dig deeper and do some fact-checking so I can give you the real story behind it all.

OK, so here’s what a pro-CBC supporter wrote that I thought needed more context:

CBC costs each of us about $33 a year or less than $3 a month.

For that, we collectively fund a public broadcaster that delivers news and stories in both official languages, reaches rural and northern communities, reflects our diversity, and connects Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

No streaming platform does that. No private network ever will, because there is no money in it for them to cover the full scope of this country. But CBC does, because it was built solely to serve us and continues to do so today.

I did some digging and the United Kingdom spends about $96 per person to support its national broadcaster. France spends $70. Germany invests $142. Norway contributes more than $150. Even Australia spends $48. Canada ranks near the bottom among developed nations, yet for some reason we continue to expect CBC to do way more with far less. There is this odd narrative out there that our public broadcaster is too expensive, and somehow that has become folklore. But folklore is not fact. Somewhere along the way, the misconception replaced the reality, and we are at risk of forgetting the cultural value and importance of what we have.

At the same time, many foreign-owned media platforms operating in Canada benefit from taxpayer-supported programs like the Canada Media Fund. But when it comes to public scrutiny, CBC bears the brunt of the criticism. That disconnect is worth examining. CBC is the only platform built to serve Canadians everywhere, with a mandate to put the public interest first. It exists to reflect our voice back to us, not someone else’s.

I learned (and continue to learn) about Canada through CBC. That’s true for millions and millions of us. Today, I am proud to be part of it through Dragons’ Den. When entrepreneurs from every town and city see their ideas reach a truly national audience, it creates opportunity and optimism in every corner of this country. The reach and impact of a show like Marketplace, Murdoch Mysteries, Cross Country Checkup, and The National, speaks to the power and value of a truly Canadian platform.

CBC is not a luxury. It is a mirror. It helps us see ourselves more clearly and each other more fully. And it’s a megaphone. It amplifies our voice on the world stage. I believe the world needs to hear more from Canada, not less.It’s not just nice to have. It belongs to us.

Elbows up Canada.

~Angry Liberal CBC Supporter

Let’s break this down into simple terms to check the facts and look at both sides, including why some people argue that defunding the CBC could help Canada’s economy, given our GDP and debt situation. Now, this is probably where I’ll lose the Liberals because when all the facts come up, they all disappear. Stick around till the end and prove me wrong.

Fact-Checking the Claims

1. CBC costs $33 Per Person Per Year

Is this true? Yes, pretty close. In 2022, CBC/Radio-Canada got about $1.4 billion from taxpayers. With Canada’s population at around 41.5 million, that works out to roughly $33 per person per year, or about $2.75 a month. So, the math checks out.

But let’s also note that in the 2024-25 fiscal year, CBC/Radio-Canada received approximately $1.38 billion in government funding through parliamentary appropriations. This accounts for about 70% of its budget, with the remainder from self-generated revenue like advertising. An additional $42 million was allocated in the 2024-25 federal budget for news and entertainment programming.

What’s the context? While $33 sounds small, it adds up to a big chunk of money—$1.4 billion annually. Some folks argue that’s a lot for a broadcaster when private companies like CTV or Global provide news and shows without taxpayer money.

2. CBC Delivers Unique Services No Private Network or Streaming Platform Can Match

Is this true? Partly. CBC does serve rural and northern areas, broadcasts in English and French, and covers Indigenous and minority communities, which private networks often don’t prioritize because it’s not profitable. For example, CBC spent $18.3 million on Indigenous language programming from 2018 to 2021

What’s the other side? Critics say private media, like Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), OMNI TV, or RED FM, also serve diverse communities without costing taxpayers as much. APTN, for instance, got only $1.7 million from taxpayers in 2022, way less than CBC. Plus, streaming platforms like Netflix or YouTube reach rural areas too, though they don’t focus on Canadian stories. So, why does the CBC need the funding when there are already other networks that do the same, FOR LESS, AND have bigger audiences?

3. Comparison to Other Countries

Is this true? Yes, the numbers are mostly accurate. In 2022, public broadcaster funding per person was:

• – UK: ~$96 (BBC)
• – France: ~$70
• – Germany: ~$142
• – Norway: ~$150
• – Australia: ~$48
• – Canada: ~$32.43

Canada is near the bottom, with only the US, New Zealand, and Portugal spending less per person.

What’s the context? While Canada spends less per person, CBC’s total budget ($1.4 billion) is still huge because of our population size. Other countries’ broadcasters, like the BBC, have bigger budgets but also serve larger audiences or have different funding models (e.g., the UK’s TV licence fee). Critics argue CBC doesn’t need as much money since private media already compete in news and entertainment.

4. CBC Faces Unfair Criticism Compared to Foreign Media

Is this true? There’s some truth here. Foreign platforms like Netflix benefit indirectly from Canadian subsidies, like the Canada Media Fund, but don’t face the same public scrutiny as CBC. CBC’s mandate to serve all Canadians makes it a lightning rod for criticism, especially from those who see it as biased or wasteful.

What’s the other side? CBC’s critics argue it’s not about foreign media but about fairness. Private Canadian media don’t get $1.4 billion in taxpayer money, yet they still produce news and shows. Some say CBC competes unfairly by using public funds to attract advertisers, taking revenue from private companies.

5. CBC’s Cultural Value and Impact

Is this true? Yes, for many. CBC programs like The National, Marketplace, and Dragons’ Den reach millions and showcase Canadian stories. A 2024 survey showed 78% of Canadians want CBC to continue if it addresses criticisms. It’s also trusted by many as a news source.

What’s the other side? Critics point out CBC’s TV audience is small—only 5.1% of Canadians watch CBC English TV, and just 2% tune into CBC News. Shows like The Great British Baking Show (a UK production by the way) rank higher than Canadian originals, suggesting CBC isn’t always delivering unique content. Plus, private media also co-produced Canadian shows, like Schitt’s Creek (Pop Media Group).

Benefits of Defunding CBC in Light of Canada’s GDP and Debt

Now, let’s talk about why some people want to defund CBC, especially when we look at Canada’s economy and debt. This is where GDP (the total value of everything Canada produces) and our national debt come in.

1. Canada’s Economic Situation

GDP Struggles: Canada’s GDP per person (a measure of how rich we are) is slipping compared to countries like Australia, the UK, and the US. In 2022, it was $46,035, below the average for rich countries. Weak economic growth and a fast-growing population are making us “collectively poorer.”

Huge Debt: Canada’s federal debt is massive—over $1.4 trillion, with debt charges (interest payments) costing $46.5 billion in 2023 and expected to hit $60.7 billion by 2028. That’s more than we spend on the military! Household debt is also high, with Canadians owing more than the entire economy’s value.

Why this matters: When money is tight, every dollar counts. Critics argue that $1.4 billion for CBC could be better spent on things like healthcare, housing, or paying down debt to ease the burden on future generations.

2. Benefits of Defunding CBC

Saving Taxpayer Money: Cutting CBC’s $1.4 billion budget would save $33 per person, or $1.4 billion total. That could:

• – Cover groceries for ~152,854 families for a year.
• – Reduce the federal deficit, which was $381 billion in 2020.
• – Lower debt charges, freeing up billions for schools, hospitals, or tax cuts.

Boosting Private Media: Defunding CBC could level the playing field. Private networks like CTV or Global don’t get taxpayer cash, yet they compete with CBC, which uses public funds to attract advertisers. This could help private media grow, create jobs, and boost GDP.

Reducing Debt Burden: Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio (how much we owe compared to what we produce) is 42.7% and rising. Cutting CBC’s budget could help lower this ratio, making our economy more stable and attractive to investors.

Focusing on Priorities: With Canadians struggling with high housing costs and inflation, some argue the government should prioritize essentials over a broadcaster. For example, the $1.4 billion could fund housing programs or healthcare, directly helping people.

3. Counterargument: CBC’s Economic Value

Supporters say CBC creates jobs and supports the creative economy (e.g., film, TV, music). Defunding it could hurt artists and industries, potentially slowing GDP growth. However, critics counter that private media could fill the gap, and the $1.4 billion saved could be redirected to other job-creating sectors, like infrastructure or tech, with a bigger economic boost.

Summing It Up

The claim that CBC costs $33 per person and delivers unique services is mostly true. It does reach rural areas, serve diverse communities, and promote Canadian culture, often in ways private media don’t. The comparison to other countries is also accurate—Canada spends less per person on public broadcasting than the UK, France, Germany, Norway, or Australia. However, the idea that CBC is unfairly criticized has another side: private media compete without taxpayer funds and still deliver Canadian content.

On the flip side, defunding CBC could save $1.4 billion a year, a big deal when Canada’s debt is over $1.4 trillion and interest payments are eating up billions. That money could help pay down debt, fund healthcare, or support housing, potentially boosting our struggling GDP. But supporters argue CBC’s cultural and economic contributions are worth keeping, and defunding it might hurt Canadian identity and jobs.

It’s a tough call. CBC does a lot for Canada, but with our economy in a rough spot, some folks think the money could be better spent elsewhere. What do you think matters more—keeping CBC or cutting costs?

Conclusion

So, here we are: the CBC has its champions who believe it’s essential for our culture and connection as Canadians. On the flip side, there are those who argue that with our mounting debt and economic struggles, the money could be used for more urgent needs, like healthcare and housing. The question remains—should we keep funding the CBC or cut its budget and focus elsewhere?

We want to hear from you! Are you on Team Fund the CBC or Team Defund the CBC? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’m sure that it’s pretty clear where I stand on this topic. We can’t afford to fund them right now.

POLL: Are you Team Fund CBC or Team DEFUND the CBC?

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