We are all friends here. We all care deeply about Canada's linguistic duality. And for that linguistic duality to exist, we need a strong francophone minority community, one whose members talk to one another, see one another and hear one another.
To your question, the cuts are why I included Radio-Canada in my list. Cuts are happening everywhere. I could have cited numerous examples, as this is just one of many. Indeed, they are much talked about, but to be perfectly frank, in this case, they are worrisome.
I hope the committee can convey the message that making such huge cuts to Radio-Canada's budget is really akin to undermining Canada's values. And conveying that message is paramount. We have no other French-language television. We have no other networks. This is the link that unites us, and we need that link all over the country. Radio-Canada plays an enormous role. We all grew up with its services. Without French-language TV and radio, we would have really lost a lot.
So I am asking everyone here to send that message. You all have a responsibility to do so. You at least care about Canada's linguistic duality. So we need a strong national broadcaster. We need to see one another, hear one another and, above all, to be able to communicate with one another.
Therefore, I urge you to do everything in your power to at least bolster that crown corporation's budget. Make sure Radio-Canada has a future. It is too important to our country's values.