Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to talk to Mr. Benzie a bit and set the record straight, in a way.
Mr. Benzie, we had artists here on Monday, “TikTokers”, if I can put it that way. They are very successful, and that's very good. You also said that we didn't really know what we were talking about when we discussed this. I find it a little condescending to appear before a committee, when we're discussing the Status of the Artist Act, and talk about something completely different and say that we don't know what we're talking about.
On the contrary, we are very open to artists who produce content on digital platforms. In fact, I call them artists, Mr. Benzie. My door is wide open, and I would welcome them to listen to their expectations and to see how we can include and represent them, especially since user‑generated content must not be regulated. I find it a bit rich when you and people in your industry treat us as if we don't know what we're talking about.
That being said, in your first intervention, you raised the fact that you were not absolutely convinced that you met the criteria that would allow you to be defined as artists. Personally, I think that you are artists by right, and the Status of the Artist Act gives you the opportunity to form an association and perhaps obtain the strength you need to negotiate with the platforms.
On Monday, Mr. Michael, who has been quoted several times by my colleagues, talked about the danger of regulating this industry, but he was quite happy to say that he was part of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, or ACTRA, and that he had his pension fund and the benefits that come with it. Your organization could consider something like that. Once again, Mr. Benzie, I'm telling you that my door is wide open. You say that you have been patronized by the members of Parliament you have met. Personally, I have never had a request to meet with anyone from your organization, but I would be happy to sit down with you.
When we talk to online platforms like YouTube and TikTok, we understand each other. They know that broadcasting activities can and should be regulated. They agree with that. We agree that freedom of expression must be protected and that users who want to share content on digital platforms must do so without being subject to the same regulations as people and companies that have broadcasting activities. I think there is a case for agreement. We can sit down, discuss and respect each other's objectives. I think that, in order to do that, we have to lower our voices and treat each other with a minimum of respect. We may not understand your industry enough to your liking, but we are open to learning more. So I wanted to reach out to you today.
I have no further questions, Mr. Chair.