Merci, Monsieur Kotto.
Monsieur Kotto, I think we have been doing the same thing--reading the Broadcasting Act thoroughly.
You're quite correct. Section 7 of the Broadcasting Act does give the government powers of direction. However, and I point to the exact wording of that section, it's “directions of general application on broad policy matters”. That is limiting to this government, as it not only has to be predetermined in consultation with the CRTC, but there is also the definition of “broad policy matters”. In this case, the specifics of the situation caused by the actions of certain companies would not allow--section 7 would not allow--addressing the specific situation that you've pointed to.
The act has been very carefully crafted to ensure that government sets broad policy matters for the broadcasting system and all the sectors. It also has been structured in such a way that government interference is limited and is carefully outlined.
Monsieur Bernier acts in the telecommunications area under a very different act. He acts under the Telecommunications Act. Within that act, he has very different powers and abilities to give direction to the commission.