Mr. Chair, in addition to answering the question, I would like to have the ability to respond to a number of comments that were made, if I may.
First of all, the Broadcasting Act and the commission as a body, whether there is an actual chair or not, have structure. There was an acting chair. The responsibility is not only with the chair, but with the CRTC as an organization, and there are commissioners there who will carry on. I would suggest the leadership is there and has been there throughout--not only the staff at the CRTC, but also the commissioners of the CRTC. The commission now has a new chair; I have full confidence in the new chair and full confidence that the commission will continue to fulfill its responsibility.
With regard to comments being made, exaggeration, and hyperbole, I am certainly not in control of any individual's comments. I find that some comments have been made in public. This government does not govern through public comment or through the media; this government acts responsibly, makes sure it gets the information, and makes sure it has a full comprehension of the situation in order to assess its response to any situation.
In meeting with the producers, I asked about the state of the current productions. They indicated, and I understand, that there is a very serious situation, and steps will have to be taken in the future months as we go through this production year. However, to use hyperbole such as “going up in smoke”.... I had asked this committee to help and to contribute to the information that will help us in our deliberations. I suggest that the many public comments are not constructive, are not helpful, and do not contribute to a positive action being taken.
With regard to the CRTC, the CRTC is not on the sidelines. The CRTC is monitoring and looking at its powers as well. The CRTC will be considering its actions, I'm sure, and will fulfill its responsibility.
Yes, Mr. Angus, I understand Vidéotron did something publicly yesterday. They also provided a comment or copy, etc. As I said, these announcements, etc., are being put before us today. We are asking that the monthly payments be resumed. At that point, then, we will be able to stabilize the industry, and that is our first objective.