TORONTO – Former Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean has won the ‘people’s pick’ for the next chair of the CBC, according to an online poll sponsored by Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
Jean (pictured), who is also a former journalist, garnered 32% of the 8,726 ballots cast, beating out seven other candidates nominated by the independent watchdog group.
The organization launched the poll late last week in response to “the antiquated practice of appointing all of the CBC’s leadership through political patronage”. Monday marked the deadline for responding to a notice of vacancy published by the federal government after the term of the current chair, Timothy Casgrain, expired earlier this month.
“The CBC belongs to all Canadians and its leadership positions should be open to the best and brightest citizens, not just those on the government’s patronage pay-off list,” said Friends spokesperson Ian Morrison.
