CPAC (Cable Public Affairs Channel) has announced it’s laying off staff and cutting programs despite the CRTC’s recent approval of a three cent wholesale rate increase set to take effect this fall.
The not-for-profit parliamentary affairs channel – which is funded by a consortium of cable providers that includes Rogers, Videotron, Cogeco, Eastlink, and Access Communications – said Tuesday it’s been forced to make some “difficult and necessary decisions” that include cancelling the production of its flagship shows PrimeTime Politics and L’Essentiel, in addition to an untold number of layoffs.
“Today, we are sharing difficult news,” said CEO Christa Dickenson. “This is not a reflection of the people affected. Our former colleagues are dedicated and talented professionals who have made meaningful contributions to Canadian journalism and broadcasting. We are grateful to them and thank them sincerely.”
In its statement, CPAC said the channel is navigating a “volatile, complex and ambiguous environment” as it faces accelerating revenue declines and continued uncertainty in the broadcasting landscape.
“The CRTC’s recent approval of a 3-cent rate increase, set to take effect this September, is helpful in the short-term and comes at a time when financial pressures on our organization have intensified,” the organization said. “Subscriber erosion has nearly doubled since 2024. Delays in modernizing the broadcasting system have prolonged the uncertainty around when predictable, reliable, and stable long-term funding mechanisms will be in place.”
PrimeTime Politics host Michael Serapio, who had been with CPAC since 2022, is among the employees confirming their departures from the channel.
“PrimeTime Politics is cancelled and I’ve been laid off,” Serapio wrote in a post to LinkedIn. “I won’t lie. It hurts. And I’m still in shock.”
“I had a chance to engage in the national discourse, powered by women and men who want to make Canada a better place than it already is,” he continued. “Lucky me. I got to be a part of it (and I hope I was able to make a meaningful contribution).”
