We also have problems with revenue sources, technological innovation and knowledge of the industry. We also have to address other issues, how to keep our youth readership, in particular. These are issues of interest to us to which we have to find answers.
What role can the federal government play in helping newspapers like ours? As you very well know, we can tell you—and we often do—about the federal government's advertising expenses and the fact that we not only want placements, we especially want fair placements when government agencies plan their campaigns. I could also tell you about the Publications Assistance Program. In fact, Canada Post is threatening to cancel this program, which could result in an additional bill of $25,000 in postage for La Liberté .
In addition, the federal government is making other programs available to certain sectors of the communications industry, such as television and magazines, for which a fund exists. Perhaps equivalents of these programs could be found to assist the minority Francophone press. Currently, there are no government programs tailor-made for the Francophone press, to support its development, in areas, for example, such as assistance for human resources, operations, or a technological adjustment fund. Perhaps the government should try to see how it could assist the development of a press that is necessary for the vitality of the communities.
Thank you.