Up-Date on CBC, Don Cherry and "Hockey Night in Canada"

Released: February 10, 2004

CPF-BC & Yukon criticized Don Cherry for his comments about French Canadians in recent months. Mr. Cherry is an extremely talented communicator who does not need to denigrate other groups to be entertaining or informative. He is the most prominent hockey commentator in a country fascinated by the game. Personally, I have watched him for many years and have often appreciated his analysis of the game. As a highly paid contractor for a public broadcaster, Mr. Cherry is not above criticism, especially when he makes what we view to be unacceptable comments.

French Canadians have made enormous contributions to our country. Thousands of French Canadians died in two world wars and a significant percentage of Canadian soldiers serving Canada from Bosnia to Afghanistan are French Canadians. As an organization, we will always honor their contribution, and that of all Canadians, to our great country.

CPF-BC & Yukon sent a letter directly to the CBC, Don Cherry and Ron MacLean. We did not call for an investigation by the Commissioner of Official Language, the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, the CRTC or anyone else. Canadian Parents for French simply expressed its point of view, just as Mr. Cherry does every Saturday in the first intermission of "Hockey Night in Canada". We support freedom of speech and have not called for his dismissal or that he be censored.

CPF works every day to promote French second language opportunities for young Canadians at schools, school boards, community colleges and in the broader community. In BC, we organize some 175 socio-cultural events every year. This week, we have worked every night, not on the Don Cherry issue, but supporting young people in their efforts to learn French.

We are asking Don Cherry to change his approach and not make derogatory comments toward French Canadians or others. For him to change in a positive way would build his reputation as one of Canadian sports most colorful and talented commentators.

There are many more important events in the world. We work on improving public education every single day.

For more information, please contact Adrian Dix, Executive Director, CPF-BC & Yukon Branch
phone: 604-524-0134 or 1-800-665-1222
or fax: 604-524-0135 .

The information on this page was late updated: February 11, 2004.
This page was last modified February 11, 2004.