That's kind of you, Mr. Chairman. French Canadians and Quebeckers, of whom I am one, are very pleased with that rebalancing.
One ally, friend and colleague of ours, Mr. Don Bell, member for the riding of North Vancouver, adds his voice to that of everyone here in saying that I don't consider the CBC Vancouver Orchestra just a salon orchestra that gets together from time to time. I think it's an important orchestra. There is a sense of belonging and loyalty to it, and it would be important to think about restoring it. We should think that way every time. Fortunately, television viewers prevented Le Jour du Seigneur from disappearing. There's a question of belonging and loyalty. That's important, both for a radio station and for an orchestra, particularly since it's the last one, to consider the fact that you're not representing a company. You represent an institution that provides a public service. I can understand the diversity and multiplicity of genres, but I think you also have to show a certain balance and a certain restraint in certain decisions because of the symbolism and representative nature of that agency. Allow me to disagree with you. Like a number of people in Canada, I would respectfully ask you to review that decision.
I want to go back to the question of public services. I would like to hear Mr. Lafrance from time to time. Earlier you said that CBC Radio 2 is a public service and that you want to ensure that everyone can have it. I would like Radio-Canada to have the same reflex. Sometimes French Canadians, Acadians or people from outside don't get the same service. La Soirée du hockey is a very good example. There's no problem with CBC's Hockey Night in Canada; you can see that program everywhere. On the other hand, with regard to La Soirée du hockey, not everyone in the regions can afford cable.
How do you make decisions? Do you study ratings? I know you don't have the same funding methods for sports, because you have a consolidated fund as opposed to a dedicated fund. Doesn't that trouble you at times, Mr. Lafrance or Mr. Lacroix? We're sports junkies. I'm not just thinking of La Soirée du hockey. Sometimes I get the impression there's a double standard for CBC and Radio-Canada. I feel like a second-class citizen.