In closing, we would like to reaffirm that the CBC is doing a very good job in reaching its mandate given the limited resources it has. More funding is, however, essential for Canada's public broadcaster to maintain and develop its leadership role in the creation of Canadian programming, particularly drama. This is the role for the CBC. No other broadcaster will do it.
Increased funding will allow the CBC to reduce its reliance on commercial revenues and focus more on providing content that speaks to Canadians. We urge this committee to recommend to Parliament that the level of funding to the CBC be increased. Without increased funding, the CBC's mandate should be limited to reflect the resources that are available. We encourage the standing committee to recommend to Parliament that it enunciate a new approach for the public broadcaster to reflect the regions.
We thank you for this opportunity to provide you with our comments, and we'd be pleased to answer any questions you may have.