It would be interesting if you could share some of your optimism with the organizations you meet. People in the cultural industry in Quebec are very concerned; I can't speak for the rest of Canada. Creators, broadcasters and festival organizers are all worried because they don't know what's coming. In addition, they can't get answers to questions and requests that have often been around for a long time.
I'm going to ask you a few.
For example, you know that the cultural sector in general, and festival organizers in particular, are asking for certain programs to be made permanent. The building communities through arts and heritage program, or BCAH, and the Canada arts presentation fund are programs that are periodically enhanced. However, organizations have long been asking for predictability. They want to be able to breathe a little and not waste their time constantly lobbying for the budget increases that are necessary to operate festivals and major events.
Can you tell them that this will be settled once and for all and that their budget will be permanent?