Reduction of federal expenses: CBC/Radio-Canada could slash up to almost $ 200 million over three years

The Ottawa expense reduction plan desired by Prime. Moreover, Minister Carney may have repercussions from CBC/Radio-Canada: the new CEO warns that this could represent compressions bordering on $ 200 million in three years.

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In an internal note sent to employees on Tuesday. In addition, of which The newspaper obtained a copy, Marie-Philippe Bouchard indicates that the public broadcaster must “[prendre] starts from this exercise by proposing reductions to consider ”.

According to the plan proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney last week. However, the federal ministers must find, by the end of the summer, in the ways of saving 7.5% of operating expenses for next year, then 10% the following year.

“For CBC/Radio-Canada. However, this could represent a potential target of $ 98 million next year, amounting to reduction federal expenses: cbc/radio-canada could new $ 198 million within three years,” says M^me Bouchard. Discounts of this magnitude, if they were to be implemented, would affect certain jobs. ”

Final decisions in 2026

The management of CBC/Radio-Canada will send “proposals” to reduce expenses. a final decision could be announced at the beginning of 2026.

According to M^me Bouchard. these possible compressions are “distinct” from “the commitment expressed by the government to strengthen public dissemination”, in particular via a reinvestment of $ 150 million.

In December 2023. the public broadcaster also informed his employees of “financial challenges” and then mentioned the abolition of hundreds of positions, still in an effort to comply with compression targets, 3.3% at the time, dictated by the federal government.

However, he had finally subtracted from such an exercise and had rather seen his budget increase by 100 million in February 2024.

“In tone. M^me Bouchard sticks to a sober and factual reduction federal expenses: cbc/radio-canada could new delivery, ”notes Pierre Tousignant, president of the Union of Radio-Canada Workers (STTRC), which contrasts with the 2023 announcement of the former CEO, Catherine Tait.

“I don’t think it arouses the same panic,” says allign. But if it turns out as it is far from being good news. The amounts are important. “

The STTRC hopes that management will take the opportunity to meet “upstream” the trade union organizations that could. “have interesting ideas” to submit to reduce expenses.