I am not criticizing your government. I am saying that Canadian artistic companies do not have the necessary funding to tour internationally. I am grateful to the Canadian government for supporting our organization, because our mandate is, in fact, to support and assist Canadian companies to export their products.
The funding received from the federal government for our event—which is held every two years—generates between $12 and $14 million in revenues for Canadian companies. Once again, this is a cost-effective investment and the economic impact is considerable. We are asking that this funding be restored or that it be used to help Canadian companies carry out their international touring activities.