Indeed, it's not quite the performing arts, but it's an important decision. This announcement is a bit misleading, actually.
I commend the government for announcing this $600 million. It will help a sector that is facing a major crisis, in which working conditions are rapidly deteriorating. I'd like to point out that the cultural sector is, after all, an industry that generates between $5 and $15 for every dollar invested in it and employs more than 500,000 Canadians, relatively speaking. That said, yesterday's announcement raises some concerns for us.
First, these $600 million will come from Canadian taxpayers. This is meant to offset the fact that we're not asking for money from the major U.S. platforms operating in Canada. These companies aren't paying their fair share, and Canadians are being made to foot the $600 million bill.
So, as an organization, we're not in a position to criticize a government that gives us money and invests in culture, but, on the other hand, we do think there's a certain inconsistency in not making these platforms pay. We understand the government's strategy, but—