Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank the witnesses for being here today.
I want you to know that it is by no means for lack of manners that we are taking up this valuable time. I know that you come well prepared, and we want to take all the time available to us to listen to you.
That said, the associations that represent you have also warned that urgent action is needed. You indicated that a number of newspapers closed down. We therefore want to take action before other newspapers and radio stations meet the same fate.
Moreover, we have been told that despite the release of the action plan this week, there will be no injection of the funding needed in the short term. This money will become available only in 6 or even 9 to 12 months. It is our understanding that your budget cycle is drawing to a close late this month, and that you need swift and concrete action now.
This is not rocket science. So many millions of dollars are handed over to Facebook and Google. Can we not take some of that money and give it to official language minority community newspapers and radio stations? That, I believe, is what the motion states, and that is why I support it.
We are sorry to be taking up some of the time allotted to you, as what you have to say needs to be heard. Notwithstanding that, the motion must be the first order of business, in my opinion.