In terms of the contract--and I find this an interesting idea--I think what you're getting at is that you want stable funding over a certain period, and I agree with that. You're saying that in order to have stable funding we'll find a commitment, but we won't get into micromanaging. Herein seems to lie the problem: we have a Broadcasting Act--it's fairly general but it lays out some specific responsibilities--and we're always arguing over the interpretation of the stipulations in the act. For example, we've been arguing for five or six years over whether CBC is doing more for regional programming or less. Some people say it's less; you've said we're doing our job; and others say it's more. Are we going to get into the same problem? What happens if the government decides you haven't met your contract? Do you really believe they'll cut their funding commitment? I'm a bit frustrated about the whole issue.
On November 27th, 2007. See this statement in context.