Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I first want to thank all the witnesses for their presentations. This issue reminds us how much the tourism and hospitality industries play an important role in and form a major part of our economy. These industries are being hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. It will take a long time for them to get back on their feet. As a result, the industry players need support measures for as long as it takes.
Mr. Hamel, I liked your suggestion to keep the measures in place for 12 months or until sales return to 85% of the normal figures. I also liked your suggestion to cancel fees rather than defer them. I'll try to come back to that point later.
My first question is about the importance of festivals to our economy. Charlotte Bell can also respond if she wishes to do so.
I spoke with Martin Roy from the Regroupement des événements majeurs internationaux, or REMI. He pointed out that, in the festival industry, a great deal of funding is advanced throughout the year to organize an event that takes place over a short period.
He raised three points. First, he spoke of the importance of maintaining government subsidies since a number of expenses have already been incurred. Other measures must also be implemented to support the industry. According to the eligibility criteria for the Canada emergency wage subsidy, if a business basically earns its revenue for one week of the year, at the beginning of summer, for example, the business doesn't qualify for the subsidy. It fails to meet the criterion regarding a 15% to 30% drop in revenue between February and March or between March and March. Lastly, he talked about the importance of creating a recovery program for when the health crisis is over.
Mr. Hamel and Ms. Bell, how do you feel about these proposals?
Can you comment and add details?