Thank you.
Minister, independent television stations that provide news coverage, in regions mainly, have reached out to us a lot regarding the independent local news fund, or ILNF.
I'm not sure whether you are aware, but last year, in June I believe, the CRTC approved Corus's application to receive ILNF funding. The CRTC determined that Corus was eligible because of its Global TV stations. The decision to add Corus to the list of eligible recipients was entirely appropriate. Since becoming a beneficiary, Corus is receiving a big chunk of the fund, to the detriment of the other beneficiaries, who are all smaller players, regional players that cover regions such as Abitibi. RNC Média comes to mind, as does CHAU in eastern Quebec. CHAU broadcasts TVA but is an independent station.
Those stations urgently need that funding to survive and keep their newsrooms open. The problem is that the fund was supposed to grow with the contributions of the digital companies. As we know, time is dragging on, the effort is being stalled and nothing is happening. Meanwhile, stations are in jeopardy of closing. The association that represents them is calling on the government for some support. I believe they're asking for $3 million or $3.5 million a month, until the money from the digital platforms starts coming in to make up the shortfall. It's a matter of survival. It's a matter of urgency for regional news and regional television stations.
Is your government going to do something soon to save them?