OTTAWA - A new report from McGill University advocates for the inclusion of public safety in the mandate of CBC/Radio-Canada, especially in light of the increasing frequency of wildfires across Canada. The study emphasizes the importance of national emergency preparedness and crisis response, drawing on examples from public media in other countries that have successfully incorporated these elements into their roles.
Jessica Johnson, a senior fellow at McGill University’s Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy and co-author of the report, highlighted that natural disasters like wildfires and floods have become an everyday reality for Canadians over the past five years. “For us in Canada, wildfires and floods have sort of crept up on us as part of an everyday reality,” she stated. The report notes that smoke from these wildfires has affected air quality nationwide, prompting health warnings and evacuations in regions such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
The report reveals prior research that identified rampant misinformation during wildfire incidents, particularly on social media platforms. Influential right-wing and anti-establishment groups have attributed the wildfires to government negligence and “green terrorists,” which further undermined public trust in the media during critical times when accurate information is needed. Johnson emphasized the dangers posed by misinformation, asserting that it could deter individuals from evacuation when needed, thus endangering lives.
Concerns about misinformation extend beyond wildfires. With platforms like Facebook blocking news content in Canada, and the growing reliance on generative AI for information—despite its potential for inaccuracies—there is a pressing need to bolster reliable sources of news. Johnson remarked that the erosion of trusted information sources is alarming amid the proliferation of unreliable information.
Internationally, countries have amended their public media mandates in response to both the climate crisis and security issues, particularly in regions near geopolitical threats, such as the Baltic states in relation to Russia. Johnson pointed to the findings of a public inquiry into foreign interference, which classified misinformation as an existential threat to Canadian democracy. “Public media starts to look not like a nice to have. It starts to look like a part of your communications infrastructure,” she explained.
During the current federal election cycle, the Liberal government pledged to raise CBC's funding by an initial $150 million annually and to amend its mandate—including the commitment to deliver “clear and consistent transmission of life-saving information during emergencies.” Johnson stressed the necessity for CBC to not merely echo government statements but to maintain its role in questioning and holding authorities accountable.
Another vital aspect discussed is the CBC’s capacity to effectively inform communities at the local level. Communities facing wildfires should have access to localized information regarding evacuation procedures, rather than receiving generalized reports meant for a national audience. Johnson pointed out that in many areas, the CBC may be “the only game in town” for news coverage.
To enhance local reporting, Johnson suggested that the CBC could collaborate with independent local journalists—a model that has shown success in the United Kingdom and could be beneficial for Canada. Moreover, with evolving technology, there are new challenges to address, including the reliability of internet and cellphone networks during emergencies, as many people no longer rely on traditional media outlets like television or radio.
On July 15, 2025, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a consultation to improve Canada’s public alert system. It requires various communication providers—cellphone, cable, satellite—and broadcast networks to disseminate emergency alerts effectively.
In conclusion, the report asserts that Canada’s need for effective emergency preparedness is evolving, necessitating structural adjustments within CBC/Radio-Canada to better fulfill its role in safeguarding the nation against crises it has historically not been prepared for in the past.
