It goes without saying that the available funds—and we hope they will continue to be available—are important for songwriters, composers and publishers. I am echoing Mr. Ferneyhough's comments. He said earlier that, unfortunately, a major portion of that funding was actually dedicated to the production of physical media, in the sound recording sector.
That said, our members primarily want to be compensated for the use of their works. We are asking for an equitable share, but of what? Let's start with the rates and tariffs that apply to the revenue of those online music services, including streaming services.
The Copyright Board held hearings in November on those issues, including streaming services. Even if we managed to obtain equitable rates—good rates of 10%, 12% or 15% for revenues generated through free online music services—if those rates applied to almost nothing, the amount we would receive would also be almost nothing.
Of course, some complex issues are behind all this. However, at the end of the day, we want our members to be paid for the use of any of their property. Although funding is important, we primarily want our members to be compensated for the creation and work that goes into their music.