Browse our interactive timeline for more on CPAC's history:
The Cable Public Affairs Channel is Canada’s only privately-owned, commercial free, not for profit, bilingual licensed television service.
Created in 1992 by a consortium of cable companies to preserve an independent editorial voice for Canada’s democratic process, CPAC provides a window on Parliament, politics, and public affairs in Canada and around the world.
The cable industry has invested more than $50 million in CPAC over the past three decades, and today CPAC programming is delivered by cable, satellite, and wireless distributors to over 11 million homes in Canada and a worldwide audience via 24/7 webcasting.
CPAC proudly marked its 30th anniversary in 2022 -- and marked some of the historic moments delivered to Canadians over the first three decades!
1998: Nelson Mandela is one of the few foreign leaders to address Parliament twice.
First in 1990, soon after his release from prison. And again before retiring as president of South Africa.
The 80-year-old took the opportunity to again thank Canadians for their support in the fight against apartheid and South Africa’s transition to democracy.
2002: The Golden Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth undertook a 12-day tour across Canada to mark 50 years on the throne.
2003: CPAC took viewers to the floor of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for a dramatic end to the Progressive Conservative leadership convention – and an infamous agreement between Peter MacKay and David Orchard that proved decisive on the final ballot.
2005: A 2003 Ontario court ruling and a 2004 Supreme Court reference led to an emotional, divisive debate in the House of Commons as MPs votedto re-define marriage to include same-sex couples.
2008: With survivors seated nearby on the floor of the House of Commons, Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivers an apology to former students of residential schools on behalf of the federal government and people of Canada.
2008: Weeks of political unrest unfolded on Parliament Hill as the Conservative government’s response to the financial crisis triggered plans for a coalition.
2011: A royal tour like no other before it.
Two months after their wedding, and under a continuous spotlight from media worldwide, Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived in Canada as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
2017: The MMIWG Inquiry
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Girls began its community hearings in Whitehorse in the spring of 2017. For three days, commissioners heard agonizing testimony from families and survivors about live stolen – and other lives forever altered.
2018: Centre Block closed for a decade-plus of repair and restoration. But not before the multi-part Inside Centre Block provided exclusive access to one of Canada’s most iconic buildings.
