I'm going to address the main points of the document instead.
The position of the Union des artistes is that of artists, but also that of Canadian citizens. In a world where convergence is increasingly a fact, the role of the public broadcaster is major, if not fundamental. The mandate of CBC/Radio-Canada is very broad: it must cover the regions, linguistic duality, indeed plurality. This mandate must also ensure that all regions and Canadian values, our Canadian identity and regional identities are represented right across the country. I don't think that private broadcasting or television corporations are able to fulfil the role carried out by CBC/Radio-Canada. In our opinion, it is important that CBC/Radio-Canada be maintained and extensively funded, perhaps even more than it is now, in view of the scope of its mandate.
In addition, I'd like to talk about the presence of women. Gender equity is one of the values advocated by Canada. If that equity exists, under CBC/Radio-Canada's mandate, we must ensure that it is visible on the screen. That is important for the Union des artistes and, I think, for all Canadians.
In addition, the CRTC has recently deregulated a number of objectives related to the production of television serials, serial dramas, dramatic programs and youth programs. We note that, since that deregulation, programs of that kind have been on the decline. However, if there's one place where CBC/Radio-Canada could distinguish itself, it is in those fields.
We also see that our television, generally—and I'm not talking about CBC/Radio-Canada here, which is broadcasting increasing numbers of programs in foreign formats—is broadcasting programs that are slightly adapted to audiences here. We think that is harmful for Canada's identity as a whole.
You'll find our position on most of the rest of the issues in the brief we have submitted to you. I could read it to you, but I imagine you've had the opportunity to read it yourselves. Repeating it to you would add virtually nothing to what we've said or written thus far.