Evidence of meeting #25 for Canadian Heritage in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was content.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:50 p.m.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
I have a point of order, Madam Chair.
I know that we have terrific witnesses. We've done a couple of rounds, but we're extending into the evening now, and there are a number of us that have other obligations. I'm suggesting—
5:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
We have the room until 6:30, so we could go one round.
Could I get a sense from the other members of the committee if you wish to go one more round? Are there any opposing one more round?
5:55 p.m.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
I would oppose, simply because I've another obligation that starts in two minutes.
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Yes, Mr. Julian, but is there anybody else?
I'm not hearing anything, so obviously we're going to go another round.
Clerk, is there anyone opposing other than Mr. Julian?
5:55 p.m.
The Clerk
Madam Chair, I believe the table is conferring.
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
5:55 p.m.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
I think we do have a consensus, Madam Chair. We thank the witnesses. They've done very compelling testimony.
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
I have a point of order, Madam Chair.
I think there may be consensus on the other side; I don't think there is consensus.
We would like to go into another round. Perhaps the consensus may be that we go on autopilot for the next round so that no motions or any trickery of any kind is engaged with. We did have two hours, and we do have more questions for the witnesses.
5:55 p.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Madam Chair, I have a point of order.
I just want to express my opinion.
Even if I were in favour of carrying on with the meeting to take advantage of the presence of the witnesses, I feel that, since our colleague is from a party with only one representative around this table, as is the case for the Bloc Québécois, continuing the discussions would create a malaise.
I would expect the same courtesy if I had to leave, Madam Chair.
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you, Mr. Champoux.
I guess that would remove quorum. There would be one political party not here. I'm not hearing from the Conservatives.
5:55 p.m.
The Clerk
We're still suspended, Madam Chair. Do you want to resume the meeting or do you—
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Yes, I'll resume the meeting. I don't think it was suspended at all. Everyone was talking to me.
Can we go around the table, please?
Let's get a sense. We're running out of time.
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
On a point of order, I think there's consensus that I go for five minutes and then we'll end the meeting.
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
5:55 p.m.
NDP
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Thank you very much.
Mr. Benzie, when you appeared before our committee a little while ago, a couple months ago, you were asked if you had received any money from tech companies. You denied that allegation. Today when you appeared you said, “we have received some funding from our industry partners, including platforms and private industry involved in the success of digital creators.”
Was that statement untrue when you testified before us the first time, Mr. Benzie?
5:55 p.m.
Executive Director, Digital First Canada
I would have to go back and look at the Status of the Artist Act statement, but I don't believe I said that.
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
5:55 p.m.
Liberal
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
I asked you the following: “You're not receiving any funding from tech companies in regard to this organization...?”
You pushed back at me and said the following: “Is it called “volunteer” if you're actually sinking your own money into the organization?”
That's verbatim.