Thank you.
As official opposition critic for the north and member of Parliament for the Yukon, I can tell you that many northerners--4% francophone--love the CBC, and not only from this side of the House but all across the north. A lot have told me that they don't want advertising on the CBC.
I have a lot of questions. You don't have to have long answers.
First, I'd like to go back to what you said in your opening comments:
CBC/Radio-Canada must remain firmly rooted in the regions. We play a pivotal role in the social, cultural and democratic life of this country, and we cannot do that unless we're in Canadian communities.... And it will remain a priority for us as long as I am President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada.
The AM tower is about to be removed for radio in the Yukon. People depend on CBC there, unlike in other areas in the south. Because of the remoteness and the minus 50 degrees, weather reports--for survival, for daily jobs--are really critical things in life. Staying in the regions would not be maintained if this tower were not replaced. The local manager is doing a great job, but he says he does not have the resources to replace that.
I hope you will take this under advisement. I know you probably can't answer now, but hopefully we'll have an ally in you to get this service extended. Those people outside the boundaries of FM really depend on it. They're the most vulnerable.