Canadian democracy is under pressure. Shrinking newsrooms and the rapid spread of misinformation are eroding trust in institutions. Canadians are left questioning what is credible and what is not, and that uncertainty fuels polarization and weakens democratic engagement.

At the same time, the sheer volume of information we consume every day has made it harder to separate fact from opinion, or worse, fact from fiction. Hot takes dominate the headlines, partisan narratives flood our feeds, and misinformation spreads faster than truth. The challenge is no longer access to information; it is access to accuracy and clarity.

That is why CPAC exists, and why it matters more than ever. Since its inception over 30 years ago, CPAC has provided Canadians with unfiltered, unedited access to the people and decisions shaping our lives. At a time when attention spans are shrinking and misinformation moves at record speed, that commitment to neutrality and transparency is not just valuable, it is essential.

The key to CPAC’s longevity has been its ability to adapt to the pace of technological change without abandoning its fundamental raison d'être. That has meant evolving to meet Canadian viewers where they are today, which is predominantly online.

In 1999, CPAC became the first TV network to provide full 24/7 online streaming.

It has also meticulously documented the country’s political history in Canada’s most comprehensive and easily accessible digital archive, available to all Canadians, free of charge.

But consider this: during the pandemic, 96 per cent of Canadians who went online to learn about COVID-19 found information they suspected was misleading or false. Over half admitted to sharing content without knowing if it was accurate. This is not a fringe problem; it strikes at the heart of how citizens understand and engage with democracy.

CPAC’s role is to cut through the noise. Its distinct position as Canada’s only independent, commercial-free, public-interest broadcaster warrants targeted support to ensure we can continue to serve Canadians.

Together, our team amplifies diverse voices, provides access to political debates and decisions as they unfold, and empowers Canadians to make informed decisions. Our on-the-ground coverage from 50 ridings in the last federal election campaign was not about CPAC just being there. It was about ensuring Canadians saw and heard themselves reflected in the national conversation.

The challenge ahead is clear: staying relevant to the next generation of Canadians. That means meeting them where they are, online, on mobile, and on demand, in both official languages. It also means continuing to invest in digital archives, streaming, and podcasts that make our democracy more accessible.

When Canadians lose trust in what they read and watch, democracy itself is at risk. CPAC provides a counterbalance, a neutral and independent space where Canadians can see their democracy unfold in real time without filters.

That is the work. That is the mission. And that is what the team at CPAC will carry forward into the future. Watch For Democracy cpac.ca.