Thank you, gentlemen, for joining us here today.
I was just looking at the Broadcasting Act:
The Corporation shall, in the pursuit of its objects and in the exercise of its powers, enjoy freedom of expression and journalistic, creative and programming independence.
I think you've seen commendable restraint on the part of my colleagues. Certainly, you'll hear from us that we are not here to program CBC.
I have a couple of questions. I'm wondering about the connection you believe there might be between the CBC, which is sponsored in large part by the Canadian taxpayer, and the fact that the Canadian taxpayer also sponsors or finances publishers, writers, people like that. I'm wondering about a decision that historically has evolved over time. I'm wondering where you're going with it.
Our good friend Peter Gzowski probably sold more Canadian books than anyone in the history of Canada. On Morningside, it was a delight for many Canadians who wanted to listen to him and get that kind of input.
There are programs that the radio continues to use, but there is a diminishing of them. I'm wondering if you would agree that maybe there is a place for the CBC. It's unique, non-commercial. You can get on and talk about books and promote Canadian ideas. On CBC we're talking to ourselves through our own books and our own medium. Those publishers, those printers, those writers, the Canada Council and their programs—all are sponsored by the same sponsor you have.
What is the place of CBC radio with respect to helping to expose Canadians to Canadian authors?