Liza Frulla

[Broadcasting, June 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, they can say what they want, but the reality is otherwise. I repeat. People who want to defend the francophone community and culture need to walk the talk. In 11 months, here are all the measures we have taken, starting with copyright, the convention on cultural diversity, the $100 million in the Canadian television fund. The only thing they had to do was stand and vote in favour of the budget and the $960 million set aside for the arts and culture. We will assume our responsibilities and I—

[Broadcasting, June 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, first, people who want to defend the francophonie and francophone and Canadian culture do not vote against a budget allocating $960 million over five years to arts and culture. Second, they do not vote against the Official Languages Act. They were the only ones to vote on Bill S-3, which is the Official Languages Act. People who want to protect the francophone community do not sit idly by asking questions. They assume their responsibilities.

[Broadcasting, June 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, while the Bloc has been lounging around for 14 years asking questions and taking no responsibility, we have done the following in 11 months, speaking of responsibility: the Copyright Act; the text of the convention on cultural diversity accepted by 127 countries; $100 million for the Canadian television fund; governance of the CPF; a $5 million investment in new media; a $960 million fund in the budget you rejected. Do not talk to me about—

[Broadcasting, June 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I said this decision had a considerable impact on broadcasting as a whole. The CRTC took a year to reach its conclusion.

We are examining the situation. I have to say as well that we have made certain groups aware, and that the Quebec Liberal caucus is also very aware of this issue. I will proceed my own way and at my own discretion.

[Broadcasting, June 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I said I will carry out my responsibilities and so I will. I need no lessons from anyone. I will do it with full knowledge of the issue. Period.

[Broadcasting, June 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I have to say, with all due respect to the opposition, that I do not need their advice on protecting Canadian and Quebec culture.

That said, all indications point to an appeal by certain groups. In the meantime, I repeat, the decision is a complex one. We are looking at it very thoroughly. I will carry out my responsibilities, as I always do, to protect Quebec and Canadian culture. That is the story of my life.

[Broadcasting, June 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the decision was released at 4 p.m. on Thursday. It took the CRTC a year to reach that decision and submit its recommendations to us.

As I said, the groups have 45 days to appeal and we have 45 days to respond. There is every indication that some groups will be appealing. We are, therefore, going to wait. In the meantime, we are studying the repercussions of the decision. I will not go back on my word.

[Broadcasting, June 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, first, I did say yesterday that this is a highly complex decision and that it had taken the CRTC a year to reach it. We are going to take time to judge the repercussions.

Second, the groups or organizations wishing to appeal have 45 days to do so, and then we have 45 days to respond. We will meet our responsibilities and respond.

[Copyright Act, June 20th, 2005]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-60, an act to amend the Copyright Act.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)

[Broadcasting, June 20th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, since I have been given an opportunity to say something about cultural diversity, I am pleased to point out that 128 countries have approved the preliminary text on cultural diversity and that, last week, 60 countries maintained their support for this convention, which should be signed in October 2005.

With regard to the CRTC decision, I will accept my responsibilities. The parties have 45 days to appeal, and we have 45 days in which to respond.