Thank you, Madam Chair.
I will start by correcting the record. I heard many comments, questions and concerns about the participation by this government and this committee in summits on news media.
The purpose of the study we are conducting is to determine who is best placed to do this type of study and what are the best ways to do so. It is certainly not up to the government to get involved, to dive right in, but I think that our committee can, as it is doing today, convene people and ask questions that will lead to summits that will be held in an objective, constructive, non-partisan manner. That is the purpose of today's meeting.
To respond to Ms. Gardner's concern from earlier, I do not think that the media should be the only ones to take charge of this study. A whole host of players from different horizons in the news community need to come together and take charge of this study. That is why I am pleased to have Mr. Fortin with us today.
Mr. Fortin, École supérieure en art et technologie des médias at Cégep de Jonquière published an insightful letter in November, with 67 signatures, including from teachers at the École, wishing to express their concern over the future of media. This letter led to the summit on regional media that you are organizing for February 29 and March 1.
Who do you think should be at the table to discuss the future of media? Is the media or experts? Who do you see around this table and who have you invited to this event?