Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the witnesses for being here today.
It is clear that this whole issue of essential services is important. Nevertheless, we must define what essential services are, because section 87.4 of the Canada Labour Code, which applies to you, deals with issues involving emergencies, public health and security.
Mr. O'Farrell, with all due respect, I must admit that after what happened during the ice storm, there is no doubt that your business is an essential service. We also have to make sure that the bill we have before us does not allow for interrupting broadcasting services. That being said, section 87.4 could have been applied.
Lastly, the proposed interpretation of subsection (2.4), which says that there can be no production elsewhere, might be a problem for you.
There are basically two issues at stake here: the very definition of what a manager is and the ability to broadcast, which would be considered an essential service.
I don't think The Young and the Restless is an essential service, but I believe that if it's a matter of news, because we are caught in the middle of an ice storm or something like that, we have to provide you with the capacity to do so.
Further, we have to deal with the unions in the areas of communication and cable distribution. They also understand that in case of a major emergency, under the provisions of the bill which corresponds to the definition of essential services, you will agree amongst yourselves. We are all human. There is no point in brandishing scarecrows, even with a smile. However, I do understand your position.
Here is my first question, Mr. O'Farrell. If we were able to agree on a definition and on the application of essential services in the field of telecommunications, and if, by way of amendment, we clarified what essential services could be produced elsewhere, would this new interpretation or the application of subsection (2.4) address one of your concerns?
For example, when Radio-Canada employees went on strike, I found it unacceptable that management not be allowed to produce the news from the outside, because it is an essential service. But that's my own personal point of view.
I will come back to the issue of transportation later, with a question for Teamsters Canada.