Mr. Lambert, you stated that exporting festivals throughout the world certainly providing a livelihood for 200 people and that the funds allocated to PromArt were generally spent on Canadian companies like the carrier Air Canada. So then, these funds are not being spent abroad. You're investing in our country's economy and the return is five times the initial investment.
You claim that you have been affected by the cuts. You never saw any study and you do not believe that funds have been transferred to other parts of Canada. Like you, I'm stunned by the cuts to this program, at a time when millions of dollars are being invested in roads, bridges and in other areas, with no guarantee of any amazing results. Yet, we know what your programs have achieved. Thank you.
I have a question for Mr. Berowski as well. You stated that artistic creativity is big business. No one denies that. Just look at the Cirque du Soleil which stages most of its performances in Las Vegas. The Cirque du Soleil started out as a troop of street performers. It was funded through a special budget set up by René Lévesque, similar to the budgets that other premiers have at their disposal. The Cirque du Soleil received sufficient funding to get off the ground and funding continued until it was well established. Today, the company rakes in billions of dollars. The performing arts is indeed a big business.