Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank the minister for appearing before us this morning to discuss the importance of our official languages.
I would first like to talk about the radio and television services of the CBC/Radio-Canada. Given the precarious state of today's economy, Radio-Canada, like other news services, is experiencing rather difficult times.
As you know, I come from New Brunswick. The people in our rural areas need to be able to access news information. Radio-Canada's radio and television services provide such information to francophones living outside major centres. Rural news information is essential in that it allows francophones outside Quebec to live and work as francophones within Canada.
Announcements are expected shortly that will have a detrimental effect, especially on Radio-Canada's radio and television news services. Today, I would like to know whether you are willing to assure us that the people on the ground who provide us with news information and help to ensure the vitality of Canada's francophone communities outside Quebec will continue to play their part and not be subject to budget cuts. Moreover, I would like to know whether you will provide Radio-Canada with the tools needed to weather the storm. This is a key crown corporation for we francophones living outside Quebec, as well as other Canadians across the country.
What are your views on these two issues?