It is clear that regional services are important. However, the most critical point—maybe I will be deviating from my focus somewhat—is that, given the cuts that have already been made, Friday's announcement has put CBC/Radio-Canada's ability to carry out its mandate in danger.
It is our opinion—the Fédération nationale des communications, which held its convention last week—that this is a purely ideological decision that has nothing to do with money and everything to do with a desire to marginalize the public broadcaster. Let us not forget that it was not so very long ago that our government raised the possibility of providing direct financial support through subsidies to private companies. That makes absolutely no sense. How are people on the ground supposed to react to that? How are they supposed to feel? Our members are really angry. They know that, in time, if things go as planned, everyone will say that we no longer need CBC/Radio-Canada. That is the sense we get from the government's current plans.