Official Languages committee  That is by and large what Communication Canada had done with the $500,000 that was set aside. When there was a campaign, it would also run the campaign through you, to make sure that there was a bit more...

Official Languages committee  We must make sure that we receive ongoing funding.

Official Languages committee  We had the same problem six or seven years ago, even before the sponsorship scandal. The only time it worked was when we went knocking on the door of what was then Communication Canada. We asked for equal treatment. Departments were running three-week ad campaigns on all radio s

Official Languages committee  I would like to comment on that. As Mr. Simard and Mr. Rodriguez have said, even if we still used the process, having a percentage set aside solely for us in the short term would at least have the benefit of providing us with some funding. That would not preclude us from eventual

Official Languages committee  I want to add to your question. My job is to meet with people from the departments to lobby them and explain who we are. At the time, I had met with representatives of Communication Canada, and I was told that they knew who we were but not where to put us, because we were differe

Official Languages committee  That would help to pay for one employee.

Official Languages committee  Some stations do know, because some of them subscribe to BBM surveys.

Official Languages committee  We tried to do that.

Official Languages committee  Our radio stations broadcast in various regions where, unfortunately, there are many illiterate people. Therefore, many people will listen to the radio in order to get information about what is happening in their community, rather than read the newspaper. Those are the people we

Official Languages committee  The $71 million includes everything, that is, planning, agencies, and so on. It doesn't only include the advertising costs. For example, a $50,000 campaign might have cost a $150,000 before it reaches us.

Official Languages committee  We have been asking for a percentage-based formula for seven years now, and for seven years now, we have been given 101 reasons why it would not work. When we ask about the percentage, we are told that we receive more than 5 per cent. The last time, the committee had asked for 5.

Official Languages committee  I agree wholeheartedly.

Official Languages committee  With respect to our advertising budget, the departments must have Treasury Board's approval for the ads that they buy. Departments are often looking for community outreach opportunities to promote Bill S-3. With $500,000, we will be able to help the departments accomplish this ta

Official Languages committee  No. A government public service campaign usually last about three weeks and cost around $50,000. We allocate $50,000 per department with a potential of about 10 departments. That is how we proceeded.

Official Languages committee  Allow me to add something briefly. When we are talking about asking Treasury Board for money, we are referring to media buys. In the context of today's discussion, we are only talking about the advertising budget. We are not asking for funding from another envelope. Secondly, I