Thank you.
A recovery occurred after the global recession. Ten per cent cuts were made to all government departments. Ours was the only G7 government that did not make cuts to official languages or direct funding to artists. The other G7 countries made direct cuts to funding for artists, but not our government. We also did not reduce funding for museums or sports programs.
That was done in 2012. Mr. Lacroix informed us that he had enough money to carry out his mandate. He has more than $1 billion. That is a significant amount. CBC/Radio-Canada has suffered declining advertising revenues as a result of the loss of the hockey broadcasts. Its viewership has also fallen. That was obviously not a government decision. It is ridiculous to think any such thing.
We acknowledge the importance of CBC/Radio-Canada. That is why we grant it significant funding. That organization will produce programming in English and in French in the regions and elsewhere.