I guess the short answer to that, Mr. Falk, is yes. I think programs like FACTOR or on the private sector side, Starmaker,have been essential and vital for the development of not only Canadian musical talent, but the Canadian music business.
Some of the most innovative and bold music entrepreneurs this country has produced have come from the independent sector and have been able to learn their craft and perfect their profession through the support of organizations like the Canada Music Fund, and FACTOR in particular.
At Warner Music we are very proud of our long association and partnership with some of the country's leading independent record companies, whether that's Six Shooter Records, or Stomp out of Montreal, or Pacific Music out of Vancouver. What I see there is an opportunity to expose more Canadian artists to the Canadian public and at a time when we're watching businesses being built, become self-reliant, and really become in many cases the torchbearers for Canadian culture moving forward, not only in this country but around the world. You only have to look at people like Feist, and to our friends who networked over the years—Sarah McLachlan—and many of their great acts.
It is still such a key component to building a solid industry infrastructure in this country that I would wholeheartedly say yes, it remains vital.