Effective: July 6, 1994
Canada comprises two large linguistic communities, one of British origin and the other French; a native population of Indian and Inuit origin; first and second generation Canadians and recent immigrants from many lands.
The presence of such diverse groups gives multicultural character to and enriches the country. The Government of Canada has institutionalized official bilingualism in federal matters and has adopted a policy of multiculturalism within a bilingual framework.
CBC/Radio-Canada's mandate states that its programming should "reflect the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canada". In fact, by the reasons of the ethnic diversity of the audience, the Corporation has long practiced a policy of cultural pluralism in its programming, and intends to continue to reflect the multicultural richness and multiracial characteristics of Canadian society in keeping with the Corporation's obligation to "contribute to shared national consciousness and identity." Schedule planners and programs staff are expected to demonstrate continuing awareness of and sensitivity to this aspect of CBC/Radio-Canada role.
MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMMING
In accordance with the Broadcasting Act, which requires CBC/Radio-Canada to provide a national broadcasting service that is "in English and French", the Corporation uses its stations and networks for the scheduling and broadcasting in both official languages. It makes an exception only for the original inhabitants of the country, the Indians and the Inuit, to whom Northern Service and Northern Quebec Service broadcast in several native languages and dialects.
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