Canadian Heritage Committee on Oct. 18th, 2006

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Thank you.

Since we're talking about these cuts, Minister, there's another one listed under the non-core-programs category, which was the elimination of support for the Canada volunteerism initiative. Was there a review to arrive at the decision to designate it non-core and to eliminate it?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

I'm sure the member recognizes that there are various kinds of reviews that the government and various departments undertake. There are normal required reviews that, when a program is in place, take place shortly after the term of the program. Those requirements, in most cases, are articulated when a program is set up. In the case of the volunteer program, there was no official review process being undertaken or planned to be undertaken; however, again, I refer you to the fact that the expenditure review process had clear criteria, and each one of the decisions that were made was tested against the government's criteria.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Schellenberger]

Thank you. Your time is up.

Go ahead, please, Mr. Kotto.

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

I would just inform you that there was an evaluation, however--and this is what I referred to, a summative review--done in 2005.

[Maka Kotto, Bloc, Saint-Lambert, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

For some time now, I've been desperately searching for a Minister of Heritage prepared to defend culture. Unfortunately, all I've found is a Minister of Heritage prepared to defend budget cuts.

How has the cultural community reacted to the drastic cuts and announcements that you've just made?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Not all sectors of Canada's cultural communities or the responsibilities that come under the Department of Heritage were affected.

[Maka Kotto, Bloc, Saint-Lambert, QC]

I'm talking about agencies.

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Consequently, I would suggest that many of the initiatives that we've undertaken.... A $50 million contribution to Canada Council is very welcomed, and we are now looking at and discussing with them how that will bring a positive impact to the arts and cultural communities. An increase of $375,000 to the operating budget of Confederation Centre in Prince Edward Island is very well appreciated in order to let that centre continue to play an important role.

[Maka Kotto, Bloc, Saint-Lambert, QC]

Have there been any positive reactions other than the ones you mentioned?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

You've asked if there were positive reactions throughout the arts community. I would suggest to you that we'll be pleased to provide to you, to the extent possible, information about positive reactions to the actions of this government.

[Maka Kotto, Bloc, Saint-Lambert, QC]

Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, I will refrain from asking the Minister any questions about the Main Estimates, given that the following is stated in a news release, and I quote:

The 2006-2007 Main Estimates reflect decisions taken by the previous government rather then the current government.

The news release goes on to say this:

This government's decisions will be announced in Budget 2006 and will be reflected in the Supplementary Estimates to be tabled in the fall.

Nevertheless, I do have a series of questions about the Minister's policy directions. Since my questions will be brief, I hope the Minister will keep her answers brief as well.

First of all, when can we expect a new museum policy that provides for stable, adequate funding? The Canadian Museums Association had asked for $75 million. Can you refresh my memory as to what the government promised to do for museums in the last elections?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Yes, this government intends to proceed and is proceeding with a review of the museums policy. I also, again, suggest that we welcome your input as a committee. I understand that you've decided to do some work in the area of museums. The commitment of the government still stands. We know that the museums are important to us. The museums association is willing to work with us in that process, and they recognize that like all of the museums, all of the organizations, they're going to be coming forward with a clear identification of their needs, their business plans, etc., and we will respond to those.

[Maka Kotto, Bloc, Saint-Lambert, QC]

Are you aware of the motion adopted by this committee, as well by Members affected by the recent drastic cuts to museum budgets? The motion called for MAP funding to be restored until such time as a new museum policy was in place.

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Monsieur Kotto, if you could, I would suggest, we had a reviewing to try to find.... We know there is the money, and we are trying to proceed judiciously so there is the least amount of impact possible.

We have not implemented those cuts. We have until the end of the year to identify those cuts and which museums will be negatively affected. There's a lot of misinformation out there. I know we have inquiries as to particular applications that are in, but as to which museums have been cut.... I would ask the department to give us the names of those museums, and we will look into it as soon as possible for you.

[Maka Kotto, Bloc, Saint-Lambert, QC]

I see. I'll move on to another point.

What is a reasonable amount of time for reviewing funding requests? Is twelve months considered reasonable?

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Schellenberger]

Last question.

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Each of the programs has a process and deadlines. Depending on the program, they have assessment processes, etc.

As I say, we are working with the department to look at how we can achieve the cuts to have the least amount of impact.

I've received dialogue from the head of the Museums Association, who was very enthusiastic about working with us to ensure that in the future we have a strong and meaningful museums policy.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Schellenberger]

Thank you.

Mr. Angus.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'm just going to ask a couple of questions about direction and where we're going with our cultural sectors.

With respect to the Canadian Television Fund, we've talked about governance change. Is there a commitment for stable funding, increased funding, a move to A-base funding for the Canadian Television Fund?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Mr. Angus, I know you have a great interest in this area.

As you know, the Canadian Television Fund has just established, and it is operating now under a new government's format. This is a format that has been worked on for a number of months--I would think over a year--as to what would satisfy the needs of not only the communities and the producers, but also to do it in a responsible and accountable way. We are looking now at monitoring that. The reports so far are that the new system is working very well.

As far as the future needs of the producers, we're going to be working with them. At this point in time, I cannot say whether changes to the fund will become A-base or not. It has not been deliberated or decided upon.

Certainly, as I'm listening to you, I will give consideration to what you may be asking for as a pre-budget consultation suggestion.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

The postal assistance program that Canada Post has announced they're walking away from will have a devastating impact on our magazine sector. Has the Department of Heritage looked at this, and will Heritage be able to step into the breach to deal with this serious shortfall that magazines will be facing?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

We are very concerned with the actions and decisions of Canada Post. As you know, Canada Post is a crown corporation that has its own board, etc. We have been in discussions with them.

I would express to you that we are committed to the importance of supporting our Canadian publications. Not only will this minister and this department be working on it, but this is something we take seriously as a government.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Canada is the lead requester nation on the GATT in terms of telecom deregulation. Maxime Bernier, the minister, has pushed for the stripping of the telecom regulations. My concern is that telecom is how we're delivering culture right now. That is the vehicle, and it will increasingly become the vehicle.

In light of our commitments to UNESCO, what clear steps will your ministry take to ensure there are rules for telecom in a deregulated environment and to ensure Canadian content standards, Canadian ownership standards, and language requirements?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Durham, ON]

First, the fundamental positive is that within the new Conservative government, you have two ministers who are willing to work together cooperatively in the interests of Canadians and the industries in question. Number two, I would suggest to you also that Mr. Bernier understands, and we work together, because of the impact.

This is a challenge that not only Canadians are facing; this is a challenge being faced by every country around this world. The new technologies are changing the way information, entertainment, and audio-visual works are being distributed. I know what my responsibilities are. We are committed to Canadian creators, Canadian productions, Canadian works, and because we have a cooperative relationship, I'm confident we can get the best for the industry and for the creators.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Minister, we have heard from Mr. Bernier. He has set out very clear rules in terms of where he is coming from. We have heard nothing from you. Will you make a clear public commitment to the CRTC about what you expect from them in terms of Canadian content with telecom? The other minister has, but you haven't.