Honouring the Truth Reconciling for the Future

The challenge of reconciliation • 349is not recognized nor protected to the same extent as English and Frenchprogramming … [and that] the phrase “as resources become available for thepurpose” [S.3.1.o] has become a stumbling block for many producers andprogrammers, linking the availability of Aboriginal language broadcasting to thepolitical process. 242The report recommended that the Broadcasting Act be revised to address thesegaps. As of 2014, these provisions of the Act remain unchanged.As Canada’s national public broadcaster, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation(cbc/Radio-Canada) is responsible for fulfilling national broadcasting policy. Formany years, it has been providing a minimum level of Aboriginal radio and televisionprogramming and news, in a few specific regions, including some Aboriginallanguageprogramming, especially in northern Canada. In the Commission’s view, thebudget cuts to the cbc over the past decade have significantly reduced and furtherlimited its capacity to provide Aboriginal programming and dedicated news coverageon Aboriginal issues, and to increase the number of Aboriginal people in staff andleadership positions. As of March 31, 2014, Aboriginal people made up 1.6% of the cbcworkforce, well below the demographic makeup of Aboriginal people, who represent4.3% of the total Canadian population. 243The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (aptn), an independent, non-profitbroadcaster, has taken a leadership role since the 1990s, in part to make up for the programmingand scheduling limitations of cbc/Radio-Canada, to provide nationwideprogramming and news that reflects Aboriginal peoples’ perspectives, concerns, andexperiences. The aptn has provided an outlet for Aboriginal journalists, producers,directors, writers, artists, and musicians, and attracts a wide Aboriginal and non-AboriginalCanadian and international audience. 244 As of 2014, over 75% of aptn employeeswere Aboriginal, and 28% of its programming was broadcast in various Aboriginallanguages. 245 In the Commission’s view, the aptn is well positioned to provide medialeadership to support the reconciliation process.National public and private broadcasters must provide comprehensive and timelyinformation and services to Aboriginal peoples and the Canadian public.Calls to Action84) We call upon the federal government to restore and increase funding to the cbc/Radio-Canada, to enable Canada’s national public broadcaster to support reconciliation,and be properly reflective of the diverse cultures, languages, and perspectivesof Aboriginal peoples, including, but not limited to:i. Increasing Aboriginal programming, including Aboriginal-language speakers.