Canadian Heritage Committee on Oct. 29th, 2009

[Jean-François Bernier]

I cannot agree with that statement. With respect to the federal government, the Canada Music Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts investments support the entire industrial pyramid. I also do not believe there should be any shame in the government helping companies everyone is proud of on the export side, be it Analekta, Angèle Dubeau or Nettwerk, in Vancouver. There is no harm in supporting emerging artists who are recording for the first time. All of the tools and the Canada Music Fund support the entire industrial pyramid.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

How could the fund and all these tools provide more support for artists?

[Jean-François Bernier]

In fact, all aspects of the fund are to support artists. For instance, in 2005, we made some significant changes. I was referring to that in my presentation. We realized that a major part of the funding was going to too small a group of music sector entrepreneurs. We made some changes and thereby increased diversity. We gave you the figures earlier on. I think the fund is doing an excellent job in supporting emerging artists and more established ones.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Could you tell us a little more about the rationale for funding international activities and the digital side?

[Pierre Lalonde]

According to the summative evaluation, it is clear that these activities should be prioritized by the department. The industry as a whole is practically unanimous on that. Even those who have appeared before you, including representatives from the Canadian Conference of the Arts, have confirmed how important it is to invest in international showcases and digital platforms. It is not a scientific question, but most music industry stakeholders support what the department has proposed.

The summative evaluation clearly states that some production funds should be shifted towards these activities. I cannot imagine who in the industry would say the opposite. Obviously, we did not ask anyone whether we should do away with one aspect or another. If we ask the question, people will tell us not to touch their area.

So, this analysis has to be done in a cold and detached manner. We look at all aspects of the fund, its performance and the aspects that contribute most to meeting its objectives. Based on that analysis, we decide whether funds need to be transferred from one area to another. That is how the decision is made. I believe it was unanimous, everyone present agreed on it.

[Jean-François Bernier]

This redistribution was not at the expense of diversity. Musical diversity and genre diversity remain a priority for the Canada Music Fund.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Do I still have some time left, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Schellenberger]

No, that's the time.

We don't have time for another full round. We have a motion to look after, and Mr. Rodriguez has to be out of here by one o'clock.

Again I will thank our witnesses for coming today. I'm sorry we couldn't have a little more time. We were a little late getting into the room, and time has gone.

We're going to take a three-minute break, and then we'll be right back.

[Proceedings continue in camera]