OTTAWA, September 5, 2008 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced that the Government of Canada has decided not to refer back to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) decision of June 26, 2008, concerning the renewal of TQS network licences.
"As a responsible government, we have taken into consideration the viewers' interests, local information, and the economic viability of TQS," said Minister Verner. "Under the current circumstances, we are making the best and the only conceivable decision to ensure the diversity of voices in the French-language television market, as well as the network's survival and growth. Our Government is engaged in assuring a strong Canadian broadcasting system, a strong production sector, and to the creation of quality Canadian content that is accessible to all."
"Although the Broadcasting Act and CRTC policies do not require broadcasters to carry a specific level of local programming and news, the CRTC has made an exception and required TQS to broadcast local programming and news," added the Minister. "The decision made by the CRTC is in line with the Government's support of the importance of maintaining a locally or regionally produced information service."
"Our objective is to enable TQS to rebuild its audience and improve its financial position, so that Francophones can continue to have access to a third general-interest television network and a diversity of voices and news."
For more information, please consult the following websites:
CRTC decision of June 26, 2008: www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/news/releases/2008/r080626.htm
Broadcasting Act (see section 28 for details concerning written petitions and motions of the Governor in Council):
www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/legal/broad.htm
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women and
Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
