Good morning, and thank you for having invited us to appear today.
Active nationally since 1991, the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada has 31 active members in 9 provinces and 2 territories. We have 25 radio stations on the air and 6 that are being set up. In the current context, it is more important than ever that the Government of Canada implement concrete measures to provide recurring financial support to social economy businesses, especially community and campus radio stations, which play a vital role in the development and survival of numerous Canadian communities.
The positive impact of community radio stations on communities is such that it would be false to claim that the government should not be focusing thereon.
First, let me point out that campus and community radio stations play an important role in creating several hundred jobs across Canada.
In addition, by ensuring local advertisers widespread promotion of their activities, goods and services, community radio stations help curb the erosion of the economy and stop the flight of capital abroad.
Clearly, campus and community radio stations in Canada are not only major players in the economy of their respective regions, but also genuine talent incubators that, each year, spawn new careers in the communications sector.