Canadian Heritage Committee on Feb. 12th, 2026

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

There's no more time for this question, because we have to move quickly.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, QC]

Perhaps you could grant five seconds more, because the answer is important.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Okay.

Go ahead, Ms. Montminy.

[Joëlle Montminy]

I'll take just five seconds to add that there will still be a cultural spaces program, but it will be refocused on equipment that can be used in cultural spaces. For example, a theatre might need new lighting or equipment of that kind. Our department will therefore still have an envelope to support the renovation and outfitting of cultural spaces.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, QC]

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Mr. Ntumba, you have two minutes.

[Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Liberal, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC]

Thank you, Madam Chair. Two minutes is not a very long time.

Ms. Montminy, we've asked a lot of questions, but this morning, we need indicators to measure the impact of cultural initiatives for Black communities, particularly in museums and public institutions.

[Joëlle Montminy]

I don't have that data.

I don't know if you have all the data, Mr. Bilodeau.

[Francis Bilodeau]

I can clarify.

What exactly are you looking for, Mr. Ntumba?

[Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Liberal, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC]

I'm looking for the indicators you use to measure the impact of cultural initiatives for Black communities, particularly in museums and public institutions.

[Francis Bilodeau]

That's a really important question. We have indicators for our multiculturalism programs, among others.

In terms of museums, that's a fascinating question. The next time I meet with the heads of museums, I will ask them how they measure the impact. I must confess that I don't know, but it's a very interesting question.

[Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Liberal, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC]

How does the department ensure that communities on the outskirts of major regions and urban centres have equal access to cultural programs backed by additional funding?

[Francis Bilodeau]

As I mentioned, and as Mr. McMurren said as well, our programs generally have a criterion that focuses on distribution in the regions as well as in the centres.

Do you want to add anything, Mr. McMurren?

[Blair McMurren]

That's right. We look closely at the results to ensure that funding is spread equally from one region to another. There may be gaps between the application rate and the funding rate. When there are gaps, we make a special effort to engage stakeholders and have them commit to applying for funding.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Thank you.

Mr. Champoux, you have the floor for two minutes.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Lately, we've been very interested in the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec, a network of libraries in remote areas that share books.

Bill C‑15 would repeal the subsection of the Canada Post Corporation Act that guarantees a very low preferential postage rate for these libraries, and they rely on it. If this fee structure and service were eliminated, it would jeopardize the system, which gives communities access to a great library service. It's a very good system. It has a proven track record and people in the regions love it. The libraries are truly at risk having to pay postage that we are told could cost as much as $2.5 million a year. These libraries obviously don't have the means to pay that.

I think it's just something that fell through the cracks, but can you guarantee me that you'll pay special attention to that? Will you ensure that under no circumstances will the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec be put at risk due to a measure that was probably added willy-nilly to Bill C‑15 with no ill intent?

[Francis Bilodeau]

Thank you for the question.

I'm aware of that issue. That's obviously not a question for me. It falls under the Department of Public Works and Government Services, since Canada Post is part of its portfolio.

Therefore, I can't make a commitment on its behalf.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Since it concerns libraries, that clearly falls under Canadian Heritage. You certainly have a say with other departments that can act directly.

[Francis Bilodeau]

We certainly have an interest in that. We have fairly frequent conversations with our colleagues about this and other topics.

When it comes to Canada Post decisions, I can't commit to something that's not in my purview.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Apart from that, I'm counting on your support. I think I'll pass that on to the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec. They will be very happy to know that the Department of Canadian Heritage and its deputy minister are behind them.

Thank you, Mr. Bilodeau.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Thank you to the witnesses.

Thank you for your fulsome responses and for sharing your excellent and vast experience with us.

I will now call this meeting adjourned.