By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
Another election night. Another moment when the CBC — Canada’s national public broadcaster — called the outcome just as B.C.’s polls closed.
This time, the headline hit harder than usual:
“The West really doesn't count’: Election called just as B.C. polls closed — again”
This kind of framing isn’t just frustrating — it’s damaging. It deepens the sense of Western alienation, discourages voter turnout, and completely fails to do what a public broadcaster is supposed to do: inform the public, build trust, and support democracy.
So let’s take a moment to look at the facts.
Who Is the CBC — and Who Pays Them?
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC/Radio-Canada) is a publicly funded media organization, supported by taxpayers like you and me.
In 2023–2024, CBC/Radio-Canada received over $1.2 billion in federal funding to fulfill their legal mandate under the Broadcasting Act. That mandate includes:
- Providing balanced, accurate, and comprehensive news
- Reflecting the geographic and cultural diversity of our country
- Serving all Canadians, in all regions, fairly and equally
So when CBC uses a headline that echoes the idea that “The West doesn’t count”, they’re not just spreading discouragement — they’re betraying the trust of the very people who fund them.
What CBC Should Have Said (But Didn’t)
It’s true that projections are sometimes called as soon as Ontario’s numbers come in — but these are media projections, not official results.
Here’s what CBC should have done instead:
- Educated viewers on how and when votes are counted (advance votes, mail-in ballots, etc.)
- Explained the difference between a projection and the final count
- Reminded Canadians that B.C. votes do matter — in tight races, in seat distribution, in shaping the future
- Opened a discussion about electoral reform, regional equity, and democracy
Instead, they echoed a line that makes people feel invisible.
That’s not just lazy journalism — that’s harmful journalism.
So, CBC — Are You Helping or Hindering?
With democratic trust already worn thin, CBC needs to decide:
Are you serving the public, or sidelining parts of it?
If you really want to help:
- Stop feeding disillusionment
- Start educating Canadians
- Use your platform to empower, not discourage
The West matters. Our votes matter. Our voices matter.
But right now, our public broadcaster isn’t acting like it.
Take Action
If you’re tired of feeling dismissed on election night, let CBC know:
- Write to the CBC Ombudsman
- Leave a respectful comment on their social media
- Ask for better journalism — one that includes all Canadians
We deserve better.
We pay for better.
