We're asking the Canada Council for the Arts to show strong leadership with respect to francophone minority communities. There used to be systemic issues. These issues still exist, despite the increase in funding, and they must be resolved. The council must show leadership.
Artists shouldn't automatically be considered non-professional, and therefore not eligible for funding, simply because they organize their exhibitions or perform in community halls. For example, artists from Chéticamp exhibit their work at Les Trois Pignons or in the school-community centre because these places are the only venues available. Even though the location is an NPO or a community hall, these rooms are still professional venues. The fact that artists exhibit their work at these places doesn't make them non-professionals and doesn't justify the denial of grants. This is just a community reality, but it isn't being taken into consideration at this time. That's what we're saying.