We're the R and D of the industry. When you say that it only goes to the publishers, approximately 75% of every dollar we collect goes on to the songwriter and the composer. We're a middleman, in that sense. It's a false impression to think that the money stops when we get it.
As for the idea that it leaves the country, that's how copyright works. It's a bilateral, international system. Most of our money comes from outside of Canada. If we stopped paying people who are from other countries, they would stop paying us, and the whole system would break down. Nickelback and Arcade Fire get most of their money from America, I'll bet. They should keep getting that money. The singer from Arcade Fire is American. Maybe we shouldn't pay him his Canadian royalties. It's just not a valid argument.