Charbonneau Commission witnesses denounce cuts to Enqute

Two star witnesses atQuebec'sinquiry into corruption in the construction industry are denouncing cuts to Radio-Canada's award-winning investigative journalism program,Enqute.

Radio-Canada is cutting 20 per cent of the staff working on the television program, which has been widely praised for its role in exposing corruption.

Enqutefirst namedformer construction boss Lino Zambito in a story on hisalleged role in construction industry corruption.

Thestar witness early in the proceedings at the Charbonneau Commissionshocked the province with tales of bribes, corruption and illegal political financing.

Zambito is now facing fraud charges.However, hesaid he's not bitter aboutEnqute'srole in his downfall.

"I hope they continue doing that work. I know that with less staff it's more difficult, but I'm very surprised that CBC-Radio/Canada is cutting in their budgets," said Zambito.

Enqute is losing four of its 25 journalists, as a result of budget cuts and financial strain.

• CBC to cut 657 jobs, will no longer compete for professional sports rights

It's investigative reporting at its best. WithoutEnqute, I guarantee you there's no public inquiry in Quebec,- KenPereira, CharbonneauCommission witness

Ken Pereirawas another star witness atthe Charbonneau Commission, whose testimony exposed links between the Hells Angels and the Quebec Labour Federation.

Like Zambito, Pereira's story first appeared on Enqute.

"It's investigative reporting at its best.Without Enqute, I guarantee you there's no public inquiry in Quebec," said Pereira.

Pereira calls Enqute a watchdog that gives a voice to whistleblowerslikehim.

• Ken Pereira testifies at the Quebec corruption commission

"They were the voice of those whistleblowers. They're the foundation of the truth," he said.

Pereira says he understands Radio-Canada has to make cuts, but he thinks the corporation should look elsewhere.

Political critics

The political party Qubec solidaire also released a statement criticizing the Conservative federal government for forcingcuts on Radio-Canada/CBC, saying downsizingthe investigative journalism program is a blow to good governance.

"The Harper government claims savings by cutting the budgets In fact, Enqute alone has saved tens of millions of dollars by uncovering corruption schemes, wrote MNA Amir Khadir.

Radio-Canada has refused to comment.