Thank you very much.
Thank you, Madam Minister, Mr. Flack and Mr. Francis for being here.
I want to say right from the outset that considerations regarding Ms. Meilleur are not my main concern. There is no doubt at all that she has defended the interests of francophones. I won't speak on behalf of my colleague Mr. Choquette, but it is clear that the non-partisan nomination announced during pleasant, perhaps sunny, campaigns, and so on, all of that is a bit awkward. It forces you to skate over thin ice, and you have all my sympathy. Although she is a good candidate, the process has been somewhat flawed.
Personally, I would like to raise a topic that seems much more imperative and urgent. I am referring to the upcoming catastrophe in our media. With a great deal of courage, you undertook an important review of our programs and policies. However, you took
a bite bigger than you can chew.
I can speak to you about this, since we, the members of the committee, are experiencing a similar situation in our study of the media. It is such a vast area that it becomes difficult to find solutions.
As I said to your deputy minister when I arrived, I understand the situation, but I hope there is something “in the pipeline” at this time. Indeed, the more time passes, the worse the situation gets. In the meantime, we need to ensure that the big players in the media environment are not coming up with two-bit solutions, as the CRTC just did.
Here is my first question.
Are you going to send back the decisions the CRTC made last May 15 so that they may be reviewed, and will you ask for new hearings?
Section 28 of the Broadcasting Act allows you to do that. A lot of groups are asking that you do this. You told me yesterday that people in the industry had only to speak out. They have done so. Over the past two weeks, they have been asking you to take these measures.
Are you going to send back the CRTC decisions to have them reviewed?