Thank you, Madam Chair.
I would like to thank the witnesses for joining us today.
I'll follow my friend Mr. Waugh's earlier example of transparency. I worked for Cogeco and Bell Media. Over 35 years ago, I worked with Mr. Lorrain. At the time, he was the morning host at the radio station where we worked, CH Le Nouvelliste in Trois‑Rivières.
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the meeting on this important study.
I'll start with you, Ms. Jamet. You spoke earlier, in your opening remarks, about a topic that we haven't talked about enough in this study. We've talked a great deal about the measures proposed, such as the Canadian journalism labour tax credit—we'll come back to this—but not about media deserts. You touched on this issue. The regions of Quebec are particularly concerned about this matter.
Last week, we met with people from the television industry, specifically RNC Media Inc. and Télé Inter‑Rives ltée, to talk about the independent local news fund. This fund has an easily solvable problem. I think that the minister should take action in the coming days. At least, I hope so.
That said, I would like to talk about the disappearance of regional newsrooms. The situation is critical. I think that Mr. Pineault will also agree, because you manage regional radio and television stations with newsrooms.
I would like to hear a bit about the potential impact of the disappearance of even the smallest newsroom in Quebec, where few remain.
Ms. Jamet, what are your observations on this topic?