Guilbeault faces questions on alleged CBC toxicity at Heritage committee

The minister of Canadian Identity and Culture has decried claims of a toxic work environment at CBC/Radio-Canada but did not say he would get involved in the matter. Steven Guilbeault appeared before the House of Commons committee on Canadian Heritage on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Guilbeault (Laurier–Sainte-Marie, Que.) faced a barrage of questions from Conservative MPs on the committee. They took up the cause of former CBC broadcaster Travis Dhanraj, who has filed a Human Rights Commission complaint alleging he experienced harassment and racial discrimination when hosting a show on CBC News Network. Conservative critic Rachael Thomas (Lethbridge, Alta.) started the questioning, asking the minister if he would investigate the situation. He demurred. “The government role is not to get mixed into the daily operations and management of the organization,” Guilbeault replied in French. “That is the purview of the organization, in this case the public broadcaster, who also has a board of directors.” Guilbeault mentioned that he has met with CBC/Radio-Canada president Marie-Philippe Bouchard once since both assumed their new duties but did not discuss the Dhanraj case. The corporation dismisses the former broadcaster’s allegations. “We have been clear from the beginning that CBC flatly rejects Travis Dhanraj’s version of events, including his false claim he was threatened to be pulled off the air because he had invited on conservative guests (many of whom have appeared on our programs since, as we regularly invite representatives of all major political parties to appear on CBC News),” a spokesperson wrote The Wire Report. “The issue was not guest selection, but rather his repeated failure to collaborate or share timely information with his colleagues, which is essential to the success of a live two-hour primetime show. His managers discussed those concerns with him on multiple occasions. As Canada’s national public broadcaster, we work hard every single day to showcase a wide variety of perspectives and voices, no matter the topic. We stand by his former teams, our journalists and our leaders.” Conservative committee member Kerry Diotte (Edmonton Griesbach, Alta.) questioned whether taxpayers should be funding an allegedly toxic workplace. Guilbeault cautioned against using one example to tar the entire institution. “I think it’s always possible to do better and we’ll be working with the public broadcaster so that we can do better,” the minister conceded. Tory Kevin Waugh (Saskatoon South, Sask.) returned to the topic. Again the minister warned about over-simplifying the matter. “I don’t agree that you can take a few isolated cases and generalize to the entire public broadcaster when it comes to the whole issue of the atmosphere at work and working conditions for thousands of employees at CBC,” he stated. Bloc Québécois heritage critic Martin Champoux (Drummond, Que.) asked what was being done to help private broadcasters who are in trouble. Those companies are eligible for funds due under the Online Streaming Act. Guilbeault avoided specifics but indicated something would be done to assist all broadcasters. The BQ MP questioned the government’s commitment to provide an additional $150 million to CBC/Radio-Canada. “I’m working very hard to try to make sure this promise comes to fruition,” the minister answered. Asked if there were any conditions placed upon the Crown corporation when receiving the money, Guilbeault said he imagined providing local news would be a prerequisite. Finally, Tory Bernard Généreux (Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, Que.) wanted to know if rumours that the minister would soon be leaving are true. Guilbeault laughingly quoted a Star Trek episode where a group of aliens had the motto “Hear all, trust nothing.” “So I’m very happy where I am and I have every intention of staying here,” he stated. ppark@thewirereport.ca

Guilbeault faces questions on alleged CBC toxicity at Heritage committee

Broadcast |
By Paul Park
|September 25, 2025

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Guilbeault faces questions on alleged CBC toxicity at Heritage committee

Broadcast | By Paul Park |September 25, 2025

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

WildBrain looking toward a future beyond TV business

CRTC will not reverse jurisdiction decision in Ontario prison long-distance rates case

Industry committee questions CRTC on Online News Act, decision timelines

Related Stories

CBC needs more frequent mandate reviews & public consultation, researcher says

Prime Minister appoints parliamentary secretaries

Key Liberal ministers and parliamentary secretaries re-elected, NDP counterparts shut out in election

Carney promises $150M in new funding for CBC, will continue to allow ads

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Broadcast |
By Paul Park
|September 25, 2025