That is a very good question, but a bit tough to answer given that it has a number of components.
The ratings vary according to the show and the programming. We have results per show, per week, on the English side and the French side. However, our programming depends a lot on the House of Commons. Our priority is indeed to broadcast the procedures of the House from start to finish. If the House sits until 8 p.m., that is one thing, but if it sits until 8:10 p.m., 8:30 p.m., or 9:30 p.m, we are still there. We are also committed to all the committees. There is some content we cannot touch.
Given that every night is different, it becomes hard to know exactly how many Canadians are watching Primetime Politics, which normally airs at 8 p.m., but might also be broadcast at 8:15 p.m., or 8:45 p.m.
I can tell you, however, that question period is watched by many. However, we do not have a breakdown of the numbers for French and English. Obviously, that represents an investment, but we will start to look more into whether there is a difference. The fact remains that generally speaking, francophones and anglophones alike are interested in question period. Some days, 70,000 or 80,000 people are watching.
You will ask me whether or not that is a lot of people. Yes, it is a lot. It is huge considering that question period is at 2 p.m. What is more, we are not just talking here about people on Parliament Hill. We are talking about people who are interested in what parliamentarians are doing. I would say that since the last election, it is clear that people want to understand what is happening a bit more and a bit better.
As far as the procedures of the House are concerned, it depends on whether the subject matter strikes a chord with people. Viewership peaks when the House is debating employment insurance, the right to physician-assisted death, or immigration, for example. There might be 200,000 viewers, but just for half an hour. In general, viewership is not constant. In terms of who is watching, you have to understand that attention diminishes and varies. People use four different platforms to get informed. They listen to the radio in the morning, use the web and watch television at noon, and so on.