Currently, we have a program called the Canada periodical fund. News Media Canada, a nation-wide media advocate, is recommending an increase to the fund. We produce original news in Canada because it is crucial to our democracy and communities. If all our news came from outside the country, we would hear about Donald Trump all day long and nothing else. I, for one, think we already hear enough about him these days.
The tax credit, which applies solely to news and excludes entertainment, operates at a rate of about 30%. We have 25 journalists in our newsroom. They make up a third of our 78-member staff. That said, they are paid the most. Staff members in other sections usually earn less. That provides some relief. The government places value on the production of news. Otherwise, it would be anything goes, as Mr. Généreux mentioned. We should not support a situation where anything goes.
I am not saying our advertising representatives should receive government support. All they have to do is roll up their sleeves. They already squabble enough and do a great job, but the conditions are very challenging. Be that as it may, the tax credit is effective in that context.