It's very difficult for me to keep things short, Mr. Chair.
Mesdames, all four of you talked about the importance of keeping the CBC; Mr. McDonald emphasized that as well. I don't think the committee has a mandate to strike the CBC from the map for good. We know that, in some communities, it offers very good, even excellent services, given the lack of money at its disposal and the many cuts it has undergone over the years.
Some of you talked about your attachment to Radio-Canada. You must understand that, in Quebec, many Quebeckers are attached to it as well. Moreover, the ratings clearly show that, at certain times, CBC radio serves the community very well.
However, Canadian culture could, compared to Quebec culture, could be in danger of disappearing. Allow me to explain. With the arrival of cable companies, which bring in large numbers of American programs, you can expect to have enormous problems keeping your English Canadian programs.
As a Quebecker, I feel somewhat uncomfortable this evening defending your culture, whereas some of our members will have to defend francophone culture in their area.
Of course, Ms. Moral-Suarez, one of the first topics we'll be discussing in committee will be the situation concerning your station. I don't know exactly how to state the matter, but I know that it is unacceptable that your association should have to bear the obligation to maintain a station in the region.
I know that the Radio-Canada people are here this evening. I imagine they're going to check what is going on tomorrow. It is unacceptable for you not to be granted any funding because you are maintaining a station in your region. Furthermore, if Radio-Canada is able to take over the matter, perhaps it could do so.