2022
CONSULTATIVE EVENTS: CMAC is organizing a regional and national event series happening in 2022 called: “Building an Anti-Racism Strategy for Canadian Broadcasting: Conversation & Convergence.” These consultative events will take place in Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, and Winnipeg, culminating in a national convergence in Ottawa. Check out full program and event archives at: www.antiracism.media.
2021
INTERVIEW: January 27, 2021 – Laith Marouf was interviewed by J-Source’s Steph Wechsler for an article about the CBC license renewal titled “Groups, stakeholders criticize public broadcaster and regulator for neglecting equity, accountability in license renewal process” (READ).
2020
INTERVIEW: July 24, 2020 – Laith Marouf was interviewed by Broadcaster Dialogue on a podcast about CMAC’s work at the CRTC and the CBC license renewal.
2019
REPORT: April 1, 2019 – Based on the outcomes and archives of the Future of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Broadcasting: Conversation and Convergence events held from February to May 2017, a detailed report was prepared and disseminated by the organizing team in collaboration with participants. The report is titled “Recommendations for a New Consultation Process and Policy for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Broadcasting – Final Report” and is available online at: https://ruor.uottawa.ca/handle/10393/39010 or here: Download the Final Report [PDF]
UPDATE: February 12, 2019 – The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage replied to CMAC’s letter, noting “in March 2018, all CRTC staff were invited to participate in an awareness and learning session on culture, hidden bias and leading inclusively.” Thus, the letter indicates that the CRTC is offering non-mandatory training on cultural inclusiveness. CMAC believes this is not enough. Read CMAC’s original letter to the Minister here.
2018
LETTER: September 10, 2018 – CMAC sent a letter to the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, newly appointed Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. The letter was cc’ed to Chairperson Ian Scott of the CRTC and proposes several initiatives to foster a more equitable CRTC and broadcasting system. To read CMAC’s letter welcoming Minister Rodriguez, visit: https://wp.me/p9HjvN-8S
LETTER: February 20, 2018 – CMAC sends a letter of welcome to the new CRTC Chair Ian Scott, appointed until September 2022. The letter begins, “CMAC has engaged in multiple CRTC proceedings over the past three years, submitting eleven interventions and participating in three Commission hearings. Based on these experiences, as well as CMAC’s broader research and advocacy work, we respectfully propose several initiatives to foster a more equitable CRTC and broadcasting system.” To read CMAC’s letter welcoming the CRTC Chair, visit: http://cmacentre.ca/2018/02/20/letter-to-welcome-chair/
2017
LETTER: April 24, 2017 – The Community Media Advocacy Centre wrote to the Governor General of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage, concerning issues related to racism at the CRTC. The letter sheds light on the behaviour of the Commission, and particularly the Chair, during the recent public hearing (CRTC 2017-1) reflecting, in CMAC’s opinion, systemic and overt racism and a colonial mentality at the Commission. CMAC asks that immediate action be taken to address discrimination against Indigenous and racialized persons by the CRTC. To read the letter, click here: LETTER_CRTC_2017-1_24042017
UPDATE: February 6, 2017 – Meeting with Dan Smith, Director General, Portfolio Affairs at Heritage, took place, as requested in our September 2016 letter (LETTER_RAJSHOAN_06092016). On January 17, 2017, The Wire Report interviewed CMAC Vice President for an article on diversity at the CRTC (see “Address diversity gaps when filling CRTC roles, minister told” by Charelle Evelyn).
CONVERGENCE: February thru June, 2017 – Dr. Genevieve Bonin (uOttawa) has been awarded funds from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Connection Grant program for a project with Wawatay Communications Society, Dr. Kathleen Buddle (uManitoba), and CMAC to organize “The Future of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Broadcasting: Conversation & Convergence.” This conference will kick-start discussions in the practitioner, policy and academic worlds prior to the CRTC’s review of the current “Native Broadcasting Policy.” The Call for Proposals, locations and dates of the national conference to be held in Ottawa June 15-17 and the regional meetings being convened across the state of Canada, beginning on February 17 in Winnipeg, are available online at www.IndigenousRadio.ca.
2016
UPDATE: November 16th, 2016 – “With regard to a request for a meeting to discuss systemic inequity in representation at the CRTC, please be assured it has been noted and will be given every consideration.” —The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
LETTER: September 6, 2016 – The Community Media Advocacy Centre and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations submitted a letter to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage (copying the Governor General of Canada and the CRTC Chairman). The letter concerns Raj Shoan, former CRTC Commissioner for the Region of Ontario, following his removal from the position in June by an Order of Council, for reasons which have not been publicly disclosed. CMAC and UARR urge the Minister and Governor-in-Council to reconsider the decision to dismiss Commissioner Shoan. To read the letter, click here: LETTER_RAJSHOAN_06092016.
INTERVIEW: August 16, 2016 – Talking Radical Radio’s Scott Neigh speaks with Laith Marouf and Kristiana Clemens about the Community Media Advocacy Centre (CMAC) in an episode called “Fighting marginalization in the community radio and television sectors” (LISTEN).
PRESS RELEASE: OTTAWA, June 20, 2016 – The Community Media Advocacy Centre (CMAC) is undeceived by the new policy framework for local and community television (2016-224) released by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on June 15. Download link: PressRelease_20062016.