Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I am a bit concerned with what we have seen unfold during this meeting. I think we were all very clear; this bill is just one clause. There are obviously two amendments and, now, a subamendment. I think we all hoped that it would move a lot quicker, especially since we already heard from witnesses and had an opportunity to ask questions for clarification.
I think a number of questions have already been asked now of the officials, and I think what certainly stays with me is that this is a reinforcement, perhaps, of a direction that the CRTC believes is important, which is consultation. I think a particularly important piece—Mr. Ripley alluded to it—is respecting minority language communities.
That is why our second amendment, which we have not yet managed to talk about, deals with the priority that must be given to the cultural distinctiveness of Quebec and francophone minorities elsewhere in Canada. Those consultations have to take that into account.
This amendment reflects the position of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, or FCFA, a national organization for the francophonie outside Quebec in Canada. A number of witnesses have said that such an amendment would strengthen the bill.
I believe it is an important tool in our fight against the decline of French, which is a very serious problem in our country.
Media and communication are important tools, and the role of the CRTC is crucial. We must ensure that minority language communities across Canada are consulted.
For that reason, this important point, certainly championed as well by minority language communities, particularly francophone communities outside of Quebec, I'm puzzled as to why we're wasting so much time going around this bill. Folks have expressed concern from all sides. There's support from others as well. I think we've exhausted the range of questions on a bill that is extremely brief. I would certainly like to move to a vote on this, and I would ask the chair to direct our committee to move on this bill so we can get through it and move to other important business.