Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank our guests for coming. I won't be able to get to you all, but I do appreciate all the presentations.
I want to start with Orchestras Canada.
First of all, I want to thank you, as someone who's actually very supportive of the arts. We're building a new performing arts centre in Burlington, which has federal support of $4 million. I'm a member of Theatre Aquarius. I go to the Hamilton orchestra often. I went to TIFF this past week; I didn't like the movie.
You do point out that we have provided as a government, since 2006, funding of $50 million over two years, and then $30 million made permanently in 2007, which I appreciate. That's about a 17% or 18% increase. If I read your submission correctly, you're asking for an additional $40 million over the next three years, which is 22% a year, or 60% over the next three years. Don't you find that a little steep compared to the economic situation that we have today? Others will be asking, obviously, not just your organization. How would I justify a 22% increase?
If you could help me with that, I'd appreciate it.