Thank you, Mr. Bélanger.
We've discussed this in the House and we've discussed this in meetings as well, initially, the commitment made by the previous government on funding for the Canada Council for the Arts. I will point out that the commitment, as I see it, is a real commitment, and indications of how real that commitment were sought, certainly. One of the major indicators would be that the money was there, clearly earmarked, as the increase was promised during an election campaign.
I've met with the Canada Council and with various organizations that would benefit from any increase to the Canada Council's funding. They are very excited that there is a firm commitment over two years. They understand that it's a stable commitment. They understand and are very positive about the opportunity of working with the new government on making concrete plans, so that the public can understand how they're going to benefit. The artistic community will also benefit.
In fact, I will relate to you that comments were that the expectations from that community may not have been as real as portrayed. They realized that those commitments by the previous government were made just days prior to an election.
As to the new tax credit measures, as we said, we asked the finance department and the Minister of Finance, in preparation of his budget, for the finance department to make an estimation. The estimation given by the finance department was up to $300 million.
The real facts are that just within the arts community, as reported back to me, as I said, it was $85 million to arts and cultural community organizations. That's just within a matter of a couple of weeks of that budget. That is not to say that we are saying all the money will go to the arts communities. We believe that the tax measures should help all non-profit. We have nothing against hospitals. We believe that the private sector should be able to choose to support the non-profit organizations in whatever areas of Canadian life they wish, but I'm very encouraged that just within a matter of a few weeks, we've already heard of direct contributions and commitments of over $85 million to the arts and cultural communities. And I believe, and I hope, that all sectors of the non-profit world will get their fair share.
In response to your inquiries about CBC/Société Radio-Canada, I am looking forward to the fact that this committee is eager to take a very positive and contributory role to our review of looking at this, and the opportunity that CBC will have as a corporation to put before the Canadian public--and to hear from the Canadian public--the role and the mandate they believe the public broadcaster should play in the future.
As you know, Monsieur Bélanger, through your chair, I have discussed various options on the ways and the means that this committee may participate and provide its input to this government for consideration in a very positive, effective, and time-efficient manner.