Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First, one of the two people representing the CRTC told us that they could cover all of Canada. After that, we were told that they could not cover all of Canada. We pointed out to them that if even 2.5% of the Canadian market is not covered, that is the equivalent of New Brunswick or Saskatchewan. When people say that is fine, because it is still 98%, they are being irresponsible. That essentially means taking away the right of Francophones—in Quebec or elsewhere—to see the Games. I am from Gatineau. We do not have access to the Radio-Canada signal. I am in Gatineau, just on the other side of the river. If people do not have cable, they do not receive Radio-Canada. But it is not as though we are light-years away; we are right next door.
I hope the government intends to respect Canadian federalism. But I am not sure, because it is not showing us that it will in this case. I hope it will ensure that all Canadians, Quebeckers, Acadians, French-speakers in the North and others in remote areas, in every province, have access to Olympic television coverage in French, wherever they live, whether they happen to be at home or visiting someone else. We will see what its real commitment is in that respect.
If CTV or the consortium are able to look beyond their profits and show some respect for Canadian taxpayers, our Olympians and the athletes in Vancouver, if they are anxious for everyone to see the Games and if they agree to make a deal with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, will you have time to set everything up and ensure that coverage is excellent? I would not like to see something just cobbled together, with people being left out.