July 2: 2025: why the CBC?

I can’t imagine life in Canada without the CBC. I recognize that makes me part of a particular demographic, but our national public broadcaster (and its French language service, Radio-Canada) are critical outlets for the ever evolving Canadian story. In the recent federal election, the Conservative Party threatened to eliminate public funding to the CBC. That is a bad idea. But talking about the CBC is a good idea, warts and all, and today the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has a very good set of discussions on renewing the CBC’s mandate. The piece on communications in the North is particularly good.

Bahamas is a good reason to keep the CBC. Not the country, the musician. Last night we saw Bahamas perform live at the Canada Day concert in Whistler. His music is familiar to me through the CBC, but I don’t know his stuff that well. His groove always reminds me of Feist, with whom he played for many years, but he has his own distinctive style. His characteristic staccato guitar work, jazzy chord progressions and beautiful rich voice make 90 live minutes of his music an absolute joy. His inspirations are varied, and his aspirations are noble. Bonus: his drummer last night was Don Kerr, a former member of my favourite Canadian band, Rheostatics.