Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome to the witnesses.
I must confess my own bias. My family are not infrequent visitors to concerts of the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Dr. Dyck has been a musical mentor to my daughter for many years, and we've very much appreciated that.
My question is going to be very direct, however, and it's going to follow up on what Mr. Abbott asked earlier. I'd like just yes or no answers from you, because of the shortness of time.
The only individual who actually has the power to direct CBC to act in a certain manner with respect to its programming is the minister herself. This committee can make suggestions, and we can make very strong recommendations, but ultimately that's the minister's prerogative. The Broadcasting Act very clearly spells out CBC's independence in its programming decisions. So if in fact there were directives made, they would have to be in extraordinary circumstances.
First of all, with respect to the axing of the CBC Radio Orchestra, do you believe that event is significant enough that it should trigger a response from the minister? I'd like a yes or no from each one of the seven of you.