Mr. Speaker, first I want to underscore that last year the Canada Council funded approximately 15,000 organizations, artists and writers to help build the culture of this country. Obviously as the minister responsible, I do not think the member would want a situation where the minister decides what films and what books are supported. I can underscore for the hon. member that the Canada Council has assured me it will be doing a revision of its conditions to ensure all applications are respectful of the public purse.
In the House of Commons on May 13th, 1999. See this statement in context.