Let's make sure that we do not lose the benefit of all that has been achieved in the latter sector, which provides a true showcase for Canadian creators and Canadian content.
What we submit to the committee today is that the time has come to consult and develop together a new comprehensive policy for the Canadian communications sector in its entirety, covering the broadcasting, telecommunications, and new media sectors, perhaps under the leadership of a new, unified communications department.
In this respect, we submit that an expert panel should be mandated with reviewing the current broadcasting policies, holding industry consultations and receiving expert studies in order to make concrete recommendations to the government, both with a view to developing an orderly transitional strategy and proposing a new national policy that is adapted to the reality of our global and multi-platform environment. Such panels have been successfully established, a few years ago, with regard to telecommunications matters as well as in the course of reviewing Canadian competition policies.
Until then, certain specific steps could also be taken, such as simplifying the management of copyright by the Copyright Board and the implementation of certain specific income tax credits and the long-term maintenance of the Canadian Media Fund.
By way of conclusion, Canadian broadcasters remain a key element in the landscape in order to ensure the development of a professional and high-quality Canadian content in new media. Let us, therefore, provide them with the best possible conditions for a successful transition toward this new multi-platform environment.
Thank you for your time.