Both a journalistic undertaking and a Canadian institution, the CBC is accountable to the Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Its operations are regulated by the 1991 Broadcasting Act, and it must follow the regulations laid down by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

As well, the CBC has developed its own voluntary policies and guidelines for programming, covering issues such as violence, multiculturalism, racism, and the portrayal of genders and the disabled. These guidelines are outlined in the CBC handbook, Journalistic Standards and Practices, which staff and freelancer are required to follow.

Viewers who wish to complain about CBC's programming or journalistic practises, should contact the CBC Audience Relations office. If they are not satisfied with that response, complaints should be sent to the independent Ombudsman, who reports directly to the CBC president. Viewers can also send a copy of their comments to the CRTC, using the online complaints form (see right sidebar).