May 6, 2021
Winnipeg, Man. – APTN supports the passage of Bill C-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. Bill C-10 recognizes, for the first time, that Canada’s broadcasting policy should provide opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to create programming and to own and operate our own broadcasting services.
Bill C-10 is an important step towards recognizing in Canadian legislation Article 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Article 16 of the UNDRIP states that Indigenous Peoples have the right to establish their own media in their own languages and the right to have access to all forms of non-Indigenous media without discrimination.
Monika Ille, APTN’s chief executive officer said, “We had the opportunity to appear as one of the first witnesses in front of the Heritage Committee to explain how important this bill is for Indigenous broadcasting and Indigenous programs. We were heard respectfully by all parties. We urge them to continue on the clause by clause work to make sure that this bill becomes law without delay.”
– 30 –
About APTN
APTN launched in 1999 as the world’s first national Indigenous broadcaster, creating a window into the remarkably diverse mosaic of Indigenous Peoples. A respected non-profit and charitable broadcaster, it’s the only one of its kind in North America. The network is Sharing Our Stories of authenticity in English, French and a variety of Indigenous languages to over 10 million Canadian subscribers. With over 80% Canadian content, APTN connects with its audiences through genuine, inspiring and engaging entertainment on multiple platforms.
Source:
Emili Bellefleur
Manager of Communications, APTN
(438) 349-2456
[email protected]