We'd like to know the real facts. For example, all the dance companies who applied for grants in August have still not received an answer, despite the fact that they're already in the field, in Europe or Asia. Is there any money left in this envelope or not?
Secondly, those cuts of some $11 million affect international missions and therefore all those who work to promote and supervise Quebec and Canadian artists on the international scene. It's very difficult to evaluate the consequences of these cuts in the medium term, with regard to developing markets and positioning Quebec and Canadian artists on major world stages.
Another topic I'd like to broach is related to the Canada Council for the Arts. If the Council could afford to support international distribution, we wouldn't be currently occupied trying to understand what happens to these funds earmarked for international distribution. There is no evaluation committee; there are no peers. These funds from the Department of Foreign Affairs are managed in an incomprehensible way.