Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge will not run in the next federal election but plans to unveil a proposal to update CBC/Radio Canada’s decades old mandate before leaving politics.
A Liberal source confirmed to Radio Canada that St-Onge will announce her decision this week.
She intends to serve her full term as minister and Member of Parliament before stepping away to focus on her family.
St-Onge recently welcomed a child with her spouse.
Since 2021, St-Onge has been the Heritage Minister and temporarily managed Tourism and Quebec’s regional economic development agency following Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s decision to run for Montreal mayor.
Before exiting politics, St-Onge aims to fulfill a major pledge of modernizing CBC/Radio Canada’s mandate under the Broadcasting Act, which has remained unchanged since 1991.
The proposal is expected this week and follows months of consultation with experts on funding, governance, and the public broadcaster’s role.
A key goal is legally separating French and English programming decisions to ensure Radio-Canada’s independence.
With Parliament paused and an election looming, the plan’s passage is uncertain.
St-Onge will urge Liberal leadership contenders to prioritize the changes, arguing modernization is urgent.
The source said she links the reforms to countering U.S. influence, citing former president Donald Trump’s past threats toward Canada.
St-Onge said that CBC/Radio-Canada is vital to "cultural sovereignty" and "reliable news."
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to cut CBC funding while sparing Radio-Canada’s French services.
Critics warn the move could harm both networks, which share resources.
St-Onge’s exit adds to political shifts ahead of an expected spring election.
Her political legacy may depend on whether her CBC reforms happen amid Canada’s divided political landscape.
