Official Languages Committee on May 27th, 2008

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

We'll continue with Mr. Raymond Gravel.

[Raymond Gravel, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Lacroix, thank you for being here.

You're also head of Radio-Canada's French network, aren't you?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

That's correct, unless my responsibilities were changed this morning; sometimes that happens quickly.

[Raymond Gravel, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Why didn't the French network want to present the gala?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

That's a good question. The French network makes programming choices. In past years, the French network decided to give priority to events like the Gala de l'ADISQ, the Gala des Olivier, the Soirée des Jutra and the Prix Gémeaux. A large number of galas are available every year. Our programmers choose those they think will most interest the people who watch them. It's a programming decision.

[Raymond Gravel, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

It's very simple.

Personally, do you understand Claude Dubois' frustration?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

I understand it, absolutely.

[Raymond Gravel, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Conversely, would it be thinkable to present a similar gala in Quebec, on Radio-Canada, excluding all anglophones from the west? Would we have seen the same reaction?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

That's really a hypothetical question, Mr. Gravel. It's hard for me to answer it.

[Raymond Gravel, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

A little earlier, you talked about perceptions. I got the impression I was listening to Mr. Bouchard of the Bouchard-Taylor Commission, who talks about a crisis of perceptions. I don't think it's just that. When Mr. Stursberg appeared before us, I saw arrogance, condescension and conceit. I even told him that was why I was a sovereigntist. And one in two Quebeckers is as well. I don't think it's simply a matter of perception. When francophones feel excluded, their reaction may not be provoked just by perceptions.

Earlier you didn't give my colleague a clear answer. Mr. Stursberg told us that, based on his experience and market studies, anglophones don't like to watch anything in French. Are you aware of those market studies? Were any market studies conducted on the anglophone viewership of, for example, francophone songs?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

I'm not aware of any studies of that kind. If there are any, our programmers no doubt are.

I'm going to quote you one or two figures on the number of times francophones have appeared on CBC television. Between 2006 and 2008, 43 galas were broadcast, 17 of which presented 42 French Canadians, personalities of all kinds. Radio makes a significant contribution as well: 90 francophone artists were presented on CBC radio and television on our transcultural programs. I can give you that information. I think I told Mr. Nadeau that. We'll be pleased to give you the figures showing the importance the public broadcaster attaches to the idea of building bridges and showing each of the two cultures how the other functions and its major talents.

[Raymond Gravel, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Even if all that is true, that doesn't prevent the fact that the francophone part was completely removed from the gala that was presented on CBC's airwaves. That's what's frustrating for francophones, not only in Quebec, but across the country. World class francophone artists were there and they were simply edited out. That's frustrating. I don't think that kind of thing should be repeated. Earlier you said that's the way it had been for three years. It will no doubt be that way next year as well. So tell the francophones that their performances will be edited out, and they won't appear at that gala. What's the point of going?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

Mr. Gravel, with regard to next year's gala, I repeat that its organizers have asked us that they be able to consider all the options available to them in order to review the broadcast of that event. We've agreed to drop our exclusive radio and television broadcasting rights so they can think about the platform and the way they want to organize it for next year. I currently have no idea what they will want to do with this event.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you, Mr. Gravel.

We'll now finish the second round with Mr. Godin.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Mr. Lacroix, we could have done without the comment that CBC television considers that French content doesn't suit its public. These comments are the most frustrating for me, rather than the fact that the person sang or didn't sing. It's the language used that hurts.

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

Mr. Godin, we have to go back to the mandates of the programs. Mr. Stursberg tried to tell you that the mandate of that program concerned a specific anglophone audience. The way the program, the 44-minute summary, was constructed really takes that mandate into account.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Explain to us what you mean by a specific audience. No one wanted to hear a French song?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

Mr. Godin, that's not quite what I was trying to explain to you.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

You're virtually telling me the same thing as the other person.

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

No. I'm trying to tell you that each program has a mandate. For example, if a program's mandate is clearly to present francophone artists to the anglophone audience, I'm convinced that we'll adequately deliver that kind of program. I'm simply repeating that that wasn't the purpose of the 44-minute summary of the gala. The people who took part in that gala were not surprised because they had full knowledge of the program's format.

Once again, we understood that that kind of program had consequences. We've learned from those consequences, and if we continue to broadcast that kind of gala, Mr. Godin, we'll be more sensitive to the diversity of the individuals presented.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Since you're here, I'd like to ask you another question, Mr. Lacroix. Are the members of the board of directors appointed by the government?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

Yes, absolutely.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Earlier Mr. Lebel said that the two official languages must be respected. I'm saying that in my words, but that's roughly what he said. Were you surprised that the last two members of the board of directors, if I'm not mistaken, were anglophones?

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

Our board of directors is balanced from a linguistic perspective.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Yes, but I believe it is a francophone from New Brunswick who has just completed his term.