Mr. Speaker, when the last budget was tabled, the Minister of Canadian Heritage created high expectations for festivals. Now that the festival season is getting under way, the money is not available as the minister has been unable to establish adequate guidelines.
The Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec already has a program to support festivals with very specific criteria and clear objectives.
Why is the minister refusing to transfer monies to which Quebec festivals are entitled to the Economic Development Agency of Canada, which could deliver the program to all Quebec regions?