Thank you for your flexibility, Madam Chair.
I'm going to speak in French, with braces to boot. Fortunately, we have good interpreters.
Good afternoon and welcome.
Ms. Marchand, let me start with a few words of congratulations on your appointment to the National Arts Centre, where you promote indigenous culture.
Mr. Garvie, you are the producer of a very successful series. I saw on the site that there were two episodes. You are about to start your 13th season. I really enjoyed seeing your passion when answering Mr. Nantel's questions. You are proud to be a Canadian, to produce Canadian content and to tell Canadian stories.
In my case, of course, I am proud to be a Quebecker. We know that our TV series and artists play a very important role in our identity. This also includes the remuneration of our Canadian and Quebec artists. Unfortunately, the Liberals seem to be turning a deaf ear. They're trying to buy time while the fox is in the henhouse.
Mr. Garvie, you mentioned disruptions. We are seeing some major transformations, and all the Liberals have to say is that they will study this issue after the next election. We feel no concrete willingness to protect our creators of Canadian cultural content. I would like to know what you think about that.
We want to amend the Copyright Act. I think you and the various speakers have clearly explained your point of view. As the saying goes:
“If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”
We still have a useful model, even if it needs to be improved. You have clearly demonstrated that producers play an important role and that we must be careful not to disrupt this ecosystem. It seems that the pie is getting smaller. You said that American companies were sort of complicating things.
As the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, we must make recommendations to protect the remuneration of artists. This means protecting Quebec's and Canada's cultural industry.
I would like to give you an opportunity to comment on this, if you have any comments or thoughts on it.