I'd like to pick up on that point.
All sorts of things are being said, and I think the gentleman raises a very good point. Where is the money going?
Frankly, the Quebec Student Union finds it a bit odd that the decline in book sales is being used as an argument. Although we realize book sales have dropped nationwide, we object to the claim that the decrease is a result of the fair dealing provision. There's no causal link between the two. Mr. Prieur, himself, admitted that the 25% drop in sales occurred over a 10-year period, so, beginning in 2008. The current iteration of fair dealing was not introduced until 2012. On that basis alone, the so-called causal link starts to crumble. We find it strange that it is being held up as an argument.
I'd also like to respond to what Richard Prieur said about Canada being a bad example. In my experience, multiple countries don't tend to follow in the footsteps of one that is setting a bad example. The claim that others systematically, or very often, follow a bad example strikes me as odd. I'd like an explanation of what exactly constitutes a bad example.
In addition, I'd like to respond to the comment that the cost to students is really peanuts. That point was made earlier. The fact of the matter is that universities are spending more and students are paying more. Students are concerned. The Quebec Student Union wants to make sure the new act doesn't create a distorted Robin Hood scenario, in other words, stealing from the poor—students who are struggling financially—to give to other groups who are experiencing hardship. That would be counterproductive.
Thank you.