An address submitted to the Crown has called for a formal review of the leadership of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), citing concerns about the performance of its current leadership and a vacancy in one of the organisation’s most senior offices.
Khristopher Alden, the Minister for Public Services, has requested that the Government examine the continued appointment of CBC Chairman Mark McKenzie. The submission argues that the chairman has not adequately exercised the responsibilities attached to the role and refers to provisions within the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Reform Act, 2023 concerning the leadership and governance of the public broadcaster.
The address also highlights that the office of the CBC President is currently vacant following the departure of its previous officeholder. Alden states that the issue is not presented as an allegation against the former president, but rather as a concern regarding an unfilled position that carries responsibility for the corporation’s day-to-day management and operations.
In the document, Alden calls on the Crown, the responsible minister and the Governor in Council to review the broadcaster’s leadership arrangements, consider an appointment to the presidency and assess whether the chairman should remain in office.
The submission argues that addressing both matters would help ensure the CBC is able to fulfil its public service responsibilities, including the provision of domestic and international news and information services.
CBC has not publicly responded to the address at the time of writing.