The CBC won't be covering the swearing-in ceremony of new Governor General Michaelle Jean, thereby defusing the possibility of a CMG picket line -- which the new GG said she wouldn't cross.

An exerpt from the globeandmail.com story:

A CBC spokesman said that the decision was taken "out of respect" for the office of the governor general. As a result, CBC viewers might not be able to see the occasion. Jason MacDonald said they would buy a feed, if one was available.

(According to earlier reports, other networks had agreed on a pooling system designed to exclude the CBC.) Also Friday, award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore slammed the CBC for scheduling his movie, Bowling for Columbine, during a lockout.

"I do not want my film being broadcast on the network unless it is willing to let its own workers back in to work and promises to bargain with them in good faith."