I'll now talk about the importance of working together and soliciting true co-operation.
Midway through these investments, the Canada Council for the Arts has an opportunity to show leadership in engaging the arts and culture sector in Canadian and Acadian French-speaking communities to find solutions to ongoing concerns.
Gone are the days when organizations simply wanted to be consulted. People who do marketing, invent products or shape public policy will tell you that the process of engaging stakeholders in an initiative is now just as important as the program itself.
Instead of sending representatives to promote the programs alone, we can work with our organizations in the field to connect with artists, support them and encourage them to submit strong applications.
The transformation taking place at the Canada Council for the Arts is still in its early stages. However, two immediate measures must be taken. First, we recommend that the commitment to increase the council's funding until 2021 be upheld. Second, we recommend that a rigorous consultation and engagement exercise be carried out this year with the stakeholders involved in the funding to assess the current approach and make the necessary adjustments to the new funding model.