I can describe what a mixed economy is.
I can explain why Canada is considered a mixed economy.
I can give examples of how the government and consumers both make economic decisions.
For each of the statements, move to the corner that represents your level of agreement with the statement.
For each statement discuss why you believe this.
Government should control major businesses.
The government should set limits on how much companies can charge for basic needs like food, water, and housing.
Essential services like mail delivery and public broadcasting should be run by the government, not private companies.
Canada has a mixed economy.
This means it blends individual freedom to own businesses with government support and regulation to protect citizens.
The government is involved in the economy in three major ways:
Providing public services and owning Crown corporations
Examples:
CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation): Provides national news and entertainment.
Canada Post: Delivers mail across the country—even to remote areas.
These services might not be profitable, so the government steps in to make sure everyone has access.
Regulating private businesses
The government sets rules for:
Workplace safety
Consumer protection
Environmental impact
Prices in some sectors (e.g., medications, utilities)
Supporting economic fairness
Taxes are collected to fund:
Health care (publicly funded in Canada)
Education
Welfare programs (e.g., Employment Insurance)
Compare to a Market Economy
In a pure market economy, the government does not interfere. Businesses and consumers make all decisions.
Canada uses a mixed approach to avoid the downsides of both extreme capitalism and full government control.
On your T-chart to sort which of these is a Market Economy or Mixed Economy
Government owns postal system
Prices set by supply and demand
Private companies run most stores
Public health care funded by taxes
No government rules for pollution
Some goods/services regulated by government
Students sort them into the correct column and discuss why each belongs there.
Review these details on the CBC and respond to the reflective questions.
📺 Current Status of CBC/Radio-Canada
Public Ownership: CBC/Radio-Canada continues to operate as a publicly owned entity, fulfilling its mandate to provide Canadian content in both English and French across various media platforms.
Financial Challenges: In December 2023, CBC/Radio-Canada announced the elimination of 800 positions as part of a $125 million cost-cutting measure. This decision was attributed to declining advertising revenues and increased competition from digital platforms.
🏛️ Proposed Reforms by the Federal Government
Minister St-Onge has outlined several initiatives to modernize and reinforce CBC/Radio-Canada:
Enhanced Independence: Proposals include amending the Broadcasting Act to allow the CBC's Board of Directors to appoint the President and CEO, rather than the current practice of government appointments. This change aims to bolster the broadcaster's autonomy and public trust.
Stable Funding: The government seeks to establish long-term, predictable funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, aligning its financial support more closely with that of other G7 nations. Currently, Canada's per capita investment in its public broadcaster is among the lowest in the G7.
Advertising Reforms: A significant proposal involves banning advertisements during news programming and eliminating subscription fees for digital services like CBC Gem. This move is intended to reinforce the CBC's public service mandate and reduce commercial pressures.
Cultural and Regional Representation: Plans are in place to develop an Indigenous strategy in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Additionally, there is an emphasis on ensuring the separation and distinctiveness of French and English programming to reflect Canada's bilingual nature.
🗳️ Public Opinion and Political Landscape
Public Support: A 2024 survey by McGill University's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy found that 78% of Canadians support the continuation of CBC/Radio-Canada, with 57% favoring either increased or maintained funding levels.
Political Debate: The future of CBC/Radio-Canada has become a topic of political discourse. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has expressed intentions to defund the broadcaster if elected, arguing for a reduced government role in media. Conversely, the Liberal government advocates for strengthening the CBC's public service role through the proposed reforms.
In summary, while CBC/Radio-Canada faces financial and operational challenges, the current governmental approach focuses on reforming and reinforcing its role as a public broadcaster, rather than pursuing privatization. The proposed changes aim to ensure the CBC remains a vital institution reflecting Canadian identity and serving the public interest.
Reflection questions
Should a public broadcaster like the CBC continue to receive government funding, or should it operate like a private company in a free market? Why?
How does the CBC’s role as a publicly funded broadcaster show how Canada’s government influences its economy and culture?