Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you for being here with us, Ms. Oda.
First, I'll say that I don't recognize the federal government's jurisdiction over culture and communications. As you will no doubt understand, this is a constitutional dispute that we've had with the federal government for about 40 years.
Having said that, I have a concern for transparency that's inspired in me by your sense of responsibility. That's a message that your government conveys. I'm relying on your cooperation to get an answer to each of my questions. However, if you're short of time, I'd like to have those answers sent to me in writing at a later time.
First, I'd like to put matters in perspective. The Department of Canadian Heritage Act provides that the minister shall have the following duties: [...] the Minister shall initiate, recommend, coordinate, implement and promote national policies, projects and programs with respect to Canadian identity and values, cultural development and heritage.
Your areas of responsibility are the policies and programs concerning broadcasting, cultural industries, the arts, heritage and so on.
In addition, in the Throne Speech of March 2006, your government made a number of commitments to citizens. However, support for the arts and culture was not one of them.
First, I'd like to know whether your government intends to make additional funding cuts to arts and culture programs, which are already under-funded.
Second, I'd like to know whether you intend to renew the Tomorrow Starts Today program, which was unanimously approved here in this committee last year. You were a member of this committee at the time, and you supported it enthusiastically. You recently wanted to re-evaluate that program, and that has now been done. The result of the evaluation was positive. Consequently, we can't wait to know when you'll be presenting the terms and conditions of implementation to your Treasury Board colleague for approval so that cultural organizations that rely on that financial support can finally receive the money they so need in order to exist. In the same vein, I'd like to know whether you would or wouldn't be inclined to make the Tomorrow Starts Today program permanent.
Further to what my Liberal colleague said, I would recall that your government announced additional funding of $50 million rather than the $150 million that has been sought for so many years. Here we're talking about enabling the community of creators and cultural sector workers to have a more or less decent life.
Do you seriously and sincerely believe that $50 million is enough? You mentioned Simon Brault's reaction. I have nothing against that person, but I rely more on the reaction of those who benefit from these programs.
I have before me a letter from an excellent musician who, having been admitted to a prestigious circle to perfect his art, had to return to the United States. I'm going to read you part of the answer that the Canada Council sent him.