Bill S-220 explained in plain English

Bill S-220 would amend the Broadcasting Act to allow the federal government and Parliament to issue written directives to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on implementing Canada's broadcasting policy.

Bill S-220 proposes to change the Broadcasting Act to give the federal government and Parliament new powers to direct the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC/Radio-Canada). Under the proposed changes, the Minister could issue written directives to the CBC President about how to apply Canada's Broadcasting Policy, but only after consulting with the President and getting approval from the Governor in Council (Cabinet). Parliament could also issue directives through a resolution passed by both the Senate and House of Commons. Any directive from the Minister would have to be published in the Canada Gazette (the official government publication) and presented to Parliament within 15 days. The bill specifies five topics that these directives could cover: - The CBC's image and branding - News coverage from across the country, including national perspective coverage, in both English and French - Coverage of all aspects of Canadian reality in both English and French - Increased cooperation between the CBC's English and French networks - Support for researchers working in journalism and communications The bill's official summary notes that some of these directives could potentially affect the CBC's independence, which is currently protected under the Broadcasting Act.