Translate Politics Parliament in plain language.

CBC/Radio-Canada

In question period, the Conservatives raised a CBC production that reportedly used fake websites, names and companies to get retired RCMP veterans into interviews. Aaron Gunn asked whether it was right for the public broadcaster to use tax dollars this way. The parliamentary secretary replied that the CBC is an independent Crown corporation on which it would be inappropriate to comment on specific programming, said the show’s production has been paused and it has never aired, and suggested people share their views about the CBC with the CBC directly.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Aaron Gunn

Conservative

Linked statement

“The CBC used public money to trick and embarrass people, including retired police officers, on television. Does the minister think it is right for the public broadcaster to use tax dollars to lie to Canadians?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are outraged to learn that taxpayer dollars went to deceive and lie to individual Canadians, including RCMP veterans. A CBC production used fake websites, fake names and fake companies to lure them into supposed interviews about their lives after retirement, but it was all just a front, a set-up for some sort of twisted humiliation ritual in front of a live studio audience. This is insane. Does the minister really think that it is acceptable for the state broadcaster to use taxpayer money to lie and deceive, and to smear the reputations of individual Canadians?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A+ View analysis

David Myles

Liberal
“CBC is independent, so it is not my place to comment on its shows. This show was paused and has never aired. If people have opinions about CBC, they should tell CBC directly.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the CBC is an independent Crown corporation. Commenting on specific programming would be inappropriate, and I am sure the member opposite would agree. To be clear with regard to this show, production has been paused, and the show has never aired. However, I think it is right that every citizen of Canada has the right to have an opinion on CBC, as it is a public broadcaster, so you can direct your comments directly to the CBC.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A View analysis

Discussion

No comments yet

See the full discussion

Comment rules

More from sitting 121

All 59 items ·
  1. Private Members' Business Criminal Code 10 statements
  2. Private Members' Business Points of Order 2 statements
  3. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 37 statements
  4. Government Orders Government Orders 17 statements
  5. Oral Questions Taxation 6 statements
  6. Oral Questions Intergovernmental Relations 6 statements
  7. Oral Questions Employment 4 statements
  8. Oral Questions Finance 2 statements
  9. Oral Questions Taxation 4 statements
  10. Oral Questions Indigenous Affairs 6 statements
  11. Oral Questions Public Safety 2 statements
  12. Oral Questions Foreign Investment 2 statements
  13. Oral Questions Indigenous Affairs 10 statements
  14. Oral Questions Justice 6 statements
  15. Oral Questions Foreign Affairs 2 statements
  16. Oral Questions CBC/Radio-Canada 2 statements
  17. Oral Questions The Environment 2 statements
  18. Oral Questions Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 7 statements
  19. Government Orders Privilege 4 statements
  20. Government Orders Military Justice System Modernization Act 2 statements
  21. Government Orders Government Orders 2 statements
  22. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS 2 statements
  23. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 61 statements
  24. Oral Questions The Environment 4 statements
  25. Oral Questions Aerospace Industry 2 statements
  26. Oral Questions Taxation 8 statements
  27. Oral Questions The Economy 6 statements
  28. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  29. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  30. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  31. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 41 statements