While still keeping up the Internet perception of virtual communities and sharing. It all seems very bucolic, but when you see the money being made by the folks riding around on fancy bicycles in California, it's not as bucolic as it looks. It seems much more profitable for them.
I would like to bring up something else with you. Do not feel bad when you say that you are looking for government support, because I believe that the feeling is common. We even had people from the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association telling us:
“We're not much into asking for government support, but we must say it's getting tough.”
When we hear that, we see that the problem is widespread. At times, a government's task is to repair an injustice or correct an imbalance that is occurring. You will not find that we are afraid here, or concerned about international treaties, because, internationally, everyone is dealing with the problem. We are protecting our diversity, our distinct culture in North America.
Would you be able to give us a comparison of the support given to other industries with what you receive? Since our study started, I see constantly that members of this committee are receptive, that they are looking for solutions. and that they are listening to you. The elephant not in the room in all this, and I do not blame him, is the Minister of Industry. I would like people in that department to be doing their bit.
How much support do you receive from the state? How does that compare to the support given to other industries? We are certainly talking about an industry here. If you do not have those figures with you, I would ask you to send them to us later.
My question goes to you too, Mr. Honderich.