Absolutely. I used a number of examples to illustrate where the CBC has really done a very good job in terms of bringing the story of opera, such asThe Ring or Frobisher, to Canadians. I think what we want to explore more--and I think I've heard this from all the witnesses--is how they can do a better job of that. Those things I spoke of are unique initiatives that were undertaken by the CBC, and we applaud them for that, but yet they are part of the broader cultural musical infrastructure in this country.
What I was really trying to say to this committee to urge you to comment on and to recommend to the CBC is that they consider how their actions or inactions have a huge impact on opera companies. Not every opera company has the resources or has been invited to participate in something such as the Frobisher broadcast that happened in Calgary a year ago. Yet there are all kinds of great works out there that should be.
One of the observations that companies across the country have made--we've certainly consulted with companies--is that we see an awful lot more potential for working together to figure out what this new technology means for bringing opera and classical music to Canadians than has currently happened. Right now, it's just a decision that was taken by the CBC with literally no consultation with the companies. They would go in and say they were doing this.
I think when we say CBC is a partner, it's very much that we don't see them as a competitor; rather, we'd like to work with them. Where it has worked, it has been beautiful, and we've seen great effect.