As I sat at the PrimeTime conference surrounded by creative content makers, seasoned journalists, and our emerging storytellers, a deep sense of pride mixed with urgent concern for our cultural future filled the room. Marie-Philippe Bouchard, the new president of CBC/Radio-Canada, presented her vision for an institution that has long served as the pulse of Canada.

Today, the CBC faces an existential threat from U.S. policies and the dangerous idea that Canada is nothing more than another American state—a belief pushed by President Donald Trump. This threat has, in turn, sparked a rare unity across Canada’s political landscape. Despite our differences on many issues, one principle stands clear: our culture is uniquely ours, and it must be fiercely protected.
The U.S. Threat and the Peril of Being Treated as a U.S. State
President Trump’s recent rhetoric and trade policies have intensified fears across Canada. His threats of imposing steep tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated assertions that Canada could simply be absorbed as the 51st state strike at the heart of Canadian sovereignty. Such aggressive posturing reduces our nation to a mere pawn in the U.S. agenda, disregarding our long, independent history and the rich diversity of our culture.
In response, a broad coalition of Canadians from all sides of the political spectrum is coming together to reject this vision and assert that our culture will not be diluted.
The current political debate in Canada shows an unusual level of consensus. Conservatives and liberals alike now rally behind the principle that Canada’s cultural identity is non-negotiable. Leaders, commentators, and everyday citizens are uniting under the shared belief that external pressures must not erode our distinctiveness. This renewed national resolve sends a clear message: we will not allow foreign aggression to redefine who we are. Canadians stand together to defend our cultural heritage, our democratic values, and our sovereign right to tell our own stories.
The CBC: Guardian of Canadian Culture
For nearly 90 years, the CBC has been the guardian of Canadian storytelling. Established in the 1930s to preserve Canadian voices from being overwhelmed by U.S. media, the CBC has continuously delivered powerful journalism, engaging dramas, and groundbreaking documentaries. Iconic shows like The Fifth Estate have held power accountable with relentless investigative reporting.
Programs such as Kim’s Convenience, Murdoch Mysteries, and Country Canada have offered shared cultural experiences that bind Canadians together. These programs serve as a constant reminder that our narratives are homegrown, authentic, and essential to our national identity.

The High Cost of Weakening the CBC
Some political voices, led by figures like Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, call for defunding the CBC’s English-language services. They argue that taxpayer dollars should not support what they see as a biased broadcaster. However, cutting funding would have disastrous consequences. Reducing the CBC’s budget risks dismantling an institution that has not only shaped Canada’s cultural narrative but also fueled local economies. The CBC’s investment in over 40 regional projects and more than $208 million in production across Western Canada supports innovation, drives local talent, and maintains jobs across the creative industries.
“Almost everything the CBC does can be done in the marketplace these days because of technology. I would preserve a small amount for French-language minorities, linguistic minorities, because they, frankly, will not get news services provided by the market.”
Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party Leader
Attendees of PrimeTime whose artistic projects come to market via the CBC mostly agreed that weakening the CBC now would not only diminish our cultural output but would leave us more vulnerable to external economic and political pressures. In an era when tariffs threaten to raise prices and undermine our economy, maintaining a strong, independent public broadcaster is essential for safeguarding our way of life.
Global Trade Tensions and the Defense of Canadian Identity
U.S. President Trump’s tariff threats and his dismissive view of Canada amplify the need to defend our cultural identity. Economists such as Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz warn that these tariffs will raise costs and slow economic growth. This is not simply about trade—it is about preserving a way of life that has been built on unique Canadian values and narratives. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly affirmed that Canada will never be reduced to an American satellite. Public institutions like the CBC play a crucial role in ensuring that Canadians have access to clear, trusted news and culturally resonant programming that reflects our independent spirit.
Charting a New Course for the CBC
Marie-Philippe Bouchard’s call for a national conversation is a rallying cry for reinvention. The future of public broadcasting in Canada must address several key issues: restoring regional services, balancing journalistic power, and ensuring that every Canadian sees their own story reflected on screen. The debate is not simply about reducing costs; it is about preserving our culture against forces that seek to homogenize and dominate.
A revitalized CBC that invests in local journalism and regional production hubs can meet the demands of today’s media environment while defending against external threats. This vision rejects the notion that defunding or privatizing our cultural institutions is the path forward. Instead, it offers a blueprint for renewal that honors the CBC’s proud legacy while adapting to modern challenges.
A Vision for a Resilient Canadian Culture
The creative energy at the PrimeTime conference was a powerful reminder of the CBC’s impact. For my generation, Degrassi was more than a television series—it was a window into the shared experiences and diverse voices that make up our national story. This connection reinforces the need to preserve and strengthen the CBC as the custodian of our cultural heritage.

The threat from U.S. aggression, embodied by Trump’s policies and rhetoric, has only reinforced our resolve. Canadians from every political background now share a clear message: our culture is our own, and we will not allow external forces to rewrite our narrative. The CBC stands as a testament to this spirit, and its future depends on our collective commitment to innovation, decentralization, and regional empowerment.
This whole view doesn’t diminish the need to continually review and reorganize how content comes to life on CBC. Changing cultural values and outputs mean we should be more open to how taxpayer ideas get funded, ensuring that public investment reflects the evolving landscape of Canadian storytelling. The shifting media environment demands a fresh approach…one that embraces all voices, emerging creators, and innovative formats while staying true to the core mission of public broadcasting but understanding great entertainment expands our global reach.
Defending the Soul of Canada
The CBC is more than a broadcaster—it is the repository of our national consciousness and the storyteller of our shared heritage. The existential threat posed by U.S. policies and the aggressive mindset of leaders like Trump remind us that our cultural identity is under attack. Yet this challenge has united Canadians in a firm, resolute stance against foreign encroachment.
In the face of economic uncertainties and global trade tensions, defending our culture has never been more critical. A strong, independent CBC that evolves through regional empowerment and innovative programming will continue to illuminate the Canadian story for generations to come. Our cultural legacy, nurtured through iconic shows like the CBC has created for decades, remains a powerful force that unites us. Canadians stand together in defense of our identity, determined to preserve a media landscape that is as diverse and resilient as our nation itself. For at least the next four years this is of utmost importance.