Thank you, Mr. Champoux. You have a pretty good voice too.
If I may, I'll begin by clarifying what Bill C‑11 says about social media broadcasting activities.
Clause 4 concerns the content uploaded by users, not generated by them. The process of uploading content tells us very little about the nature of that content or the relevance of regulating it. Users may be uploading professional music.
I'd also like to note that undertakings are regulated, not individuals. Those undertakings are regulated for the streaming of commercial content only. Non-commercial content is exempt from Bill C‑11.
Clause 4 isn't the only aspect of the bill that must be examined. We also have to look at the Broadcasting Act as a whole. Many fears have been expressed. Freedom of expression is protected under section 2 of the Broadcasting Act. Sections 5 and 9 provide that the CRTC must take into consideration the impact of creation and production on the Canadian industry and avoid imposing obligations on undertakings that are not conducive to the achievement of the objectives of Canadian broadcasting policy.
There is a risk that amending clause 4 of the act would create a loophole. If the activities of certain undertakings are exempt from the act, the impact will be felt by all undertakings in the sector because they compete with each other. If the act is drafted too specifically, it will limit the flexibility of the CRTC, which needs to adjust to quick changes in the sector.
The act will be in force for years, perhaps decades. If we limit or freeze the CRTC's power, the situation will be rendered obsolete.
To answer your question regarding Ms. Fortier's remarks, I think people occasionally confuse the act with regulations. Today we're talking about the act. If we drain Bill C‑11 of its substance and limit the CRTC's powers, that will allow undertakings to avoid appearing before the CRTC, transmitting information and conducting themselves in a transparent manner. The CRTC must be given the means to do its job. We have far more confidence in our institutions than in the platforms, which operate with a total lack of transparency.
The Broadcasting Act, is an enabling statute. The CRTC must be granted the powers it needs to conduct its study. Then comes the regulatory phase, which must be conducted together with experts based on accurate numbers, not anecdotal evidence. That will all take place in the context of CRTC hearings. In that way, all parties can express their views.
I could say more about that…