CBC reporters should cycle to assignments as part of the broadcaster’s climate strategy, according to a corporate report.
Blacklock's Reporter says the document did not specify what actions would be taken to curb emissions from executives who frequently travel abroad.
A report titled Task Force On Climate-Related Financial Disclosure outlined the CBC’s commitment to “leading the Canadian media industry in addressing climate change.”
The broadcaster must “imbed environmentally sustainable thinking in everything we do,” it stated.
“Training and engagement opportunities related to environmental sustainability are provided throughout the organization in varying capacities,” the report noted.
Examples include the introduction of electric bikes, sustainable commuting initiatives such as bike workshops, bike shelters, and in-house bike repair shops.
The report also recommended integrating environmental themes into scripted productions, calling for “green storytelling courses for all scripted programmers to discuss how content creators can incorporate environmentalism into their stories.”
“As the public broadcaster, we recognize we have a responsibility to take action against climate change,” the report said. The CBC must “recognize the impact we have as leaders of sustainable spend in the media industry.”
“This work is centred around the global call for responsible and meaningful action on climate change,” wrote managers. “We are playing a leading role in greening the Canadian media industry by transforming into a world-class, sustainable public service media company that current and future generations can be proud of.”
The report did not address what measures CBC executives would take to limit their own carbon footprint. Travel expense records obtained through Access to Information requests show senior CBC executives often fly business class on international trips and rely on Uber instead of walking short distances in downtown Ottawa.
Former CEO Catherine Tait, over a two-year period, billed $119,309 in travel expenses, including business-class flights to Hollywood for meetings with production industry representatives. Tait also expensed a “European tour” to London, Brussels, and Geneva.
Michel Bissonnette, former vice president of French services, took a business-class flight to Monaco in 2023 for a four-day stay on the French Riviera. He also expensed a $17.43 Uber ride between two downtown Ottawa buildings — an eight-minute walk — with no explanation provided.
