Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Minister, this is the first opportunity I have had to publicly congratulate you for your appointment to the position of Minister of the Canadian Heritage. I want to thank you for stating, in your opening comments, that it is your conviction that cultural is essential to our quality of life and our sense of identity. Although I share that vision, we do not agree on the means that are required to achieve it or the particular approach that is required. So, I have several questions for you.
First of all, I would have liked your visit to last for two hours, rather than one. I feel that is necessary. Therefore, I invite you to come back again, because it would be a good idea to have more in-depth discussions.
There is a major concern at the present time within the cultural community. Many groups have expressed that concern a number of times. It was only deepened by the policy direction issued by your government to the CRTC, through an order-in-council, to the effect that it should rely on market forces.
Recently, your government set up a Competitiveness Committee composed of five private sector representatives. Unfortunately, the cultural industries were included in their mandate.
Why did you allow the cultural industries to be included in the mandate of a committee that will be looking at the competitiveness of our industries, with a view to lifting foreign ownership restrictions? Is that what the committee will be examining? That is my first question.
My second question relates to the Exhibition Transport Service, a subject that has already been raised. We are told that what the private sector is currently providing costs 30 per cent more and that it doesn't go everywhere. At a briefing with your officials, I made a counter-suggestion that would have taken us where you want to go. I would like to know whether they discussed that with you and whether you have retained that suggestion or not.
My third question relates to periodicals. The Canada Post Corporation wants to withdraw from the Publications Assistance Program. Last December — in other words, 11 months ago — your government said it would review this whole matter. As far as I know, no such review has yet been undertaken. When and how will that be accomplished?
I would have liked to ask you a couple of questions about the museums policy and film, but I will refrain from doing so, since I would like to get answers to the ones I've already asked.