OTTAWA – Catherine Tait, the President of CBC and Radio-Canada, is set to face questioning from a House of Commons committee today, addressing concerns surrounding the recent announcement of a 10% reduction in the public broadcaster’s workforce. The committee is expected to delve into the specifics of the job cuts and seek clarification on whether executives are still receiving bonuses, an issue that has drawn public scrutiny.
Despite a committee report suggesting the inappropriateness of executive bonuses amid impending job cuts, it is important to note that members of Parliament lack direct influence over the financial decisions of the independent broadcaster. CBC disclosed plans last month to cut 600 jobs and leave 200 vacancies unfilled within the next year, citing a budget shortfall of $125 million.
The ongoing controversy has been fueled by documents obtained through access-to-information laws, revealing that over $99 million in bonuses were disbursed to CBC employees between 2015 and 2022. This financial backdrop adds complexity to the discussion as Catherine Tait faces MPs in the parliamentary inquiry, where she is expected to provide insights into the decision-making process and financial considerations surrounding the recent measures.