Evidence of meeting #114 for Canadian Heritage in the 42nd Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was creators.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Sean Casey Liberal Charlottetown, PE
There must be a connection between the main estimates and the questions. In this case, we have gone beyond that.
NDP
Pierre Nantel NDP Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC
You're absolutely wrong.
I'm referring to the main estimates, more specifically to page II-82, which concerns contributions to support the Canada media fund, which the government has undertaken to do instead of eight major telecommunications companies.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
I think it's unfortunate to see you this cynical, colleague. I like working with you, and I have enormous respect for the work you do. We went to Europe together. When we met with the various European stakeholders, both of us realized how complex the subject was.
NDP
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
Those stakeholders were far from having implemented any kind of act. They've been working on the issue for six years, whereas, in two and a half years, we've filled the coffers of the cultural organizations and launched all the major projects as a result of which, in two or three years, we'll have new laws that will last 10, 15 or 20 years.
That being said, the media fund is a very relevant issue. We want to ensure that producers have access to good funding to create good television content. Since we knew there was anxiety over the fact that there were fewer contributions from the cable companies, we wanted to fill the coffers of the Canada media fund. We reinvested $172 million. There will be as much funding in three years as there is right now because the government is ensuring that there is enough funding. In the meantime, we are proceeding with a reform of the system.
NDP
Pierre Nantel NDP Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC
Reforming the system is a long process. It can take eight years.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
May I finish my thought?
We're helping CBC/Radio-Canada carry out its mandate.
NDP
Pierre Nantel NDP Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC
Thank you.
You appeared before the Senate on Tuesday, and you defended your lack of action by saying that, at the present time, no country in the world has yet managed to make a change to its broadcasting system to respond to digital changes. You also said you are looking at what's happening internationally.
You know very well that's false. The French president is here, and I invite you to ask him whether he's made those changes.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
We don't want to spread disinformation either, Mr. Nantel.
Then I'll let my deputy minister answer the question on the broadcasting reform in other countries.
Graham Flack Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage
Measures have been taken in other countries. As for amendments to legislation, to laws, I would say, however, that, to date, there are places where changes have been proposed, but implementation has not yet taken place.
NDP
Pierre Nantel NDP Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC
That's funny because, a long time ago—as far as I know—the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image, the CNC, in France, was supplied by foreign access providers. The issue regarding Netflix and other circumvention television services is pending before the European Commission. However, Internet access providers should have contributed a long time ago.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
Mr. Nantel, your seven minutes of speaking time is up. I'm sorry.
Mr. Clarke, do you have a question?
Conservative
Alupa Clarke Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
I have a special request to make of all my colleagues.
We're just next door to the House of Commons, and we are extraordinarily lucky to have the minister with us. I move that we extend the meeting by 14 minutes in order to go around the table twice for seven minutes each. What do you think?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
If we continue, it will be for two rounds, one of seven minutes and the other of five minutes.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
Alors, I need unanimous consent to be able to continue because the bells are ringing. Do I have unanimous consent?
Conservative
Maxime Bernier Conservative Beauce, QC
The minister has come to speak with us. She has lots of things to tell us.
Conservative