Liza Frulla

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, before answering the question, I would remind my honourable colleague that on the subject of UNESCO which is of so much interest to him, and also on the issue of cultural diversity, which is of even greater interest to him, two weeks ago, in Halifax, a proposal on cultural diversity and a commitment by the provinces to contribute to that debate was put forward by Saskatchewan and seconded by Alberta.

I should mention that, by Friday, we will present our report on cultural diversity at UNESCO, and I stress that all provinces have made an input. Our position is to count on the provinces as partners.

That being said, I would suggest to the hon. member that he saves his question about the appointment for tomorrow and puts it to my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is responsible for appointments.

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, it will give me great pleasure to reply to the hon. member. First, I did answer the first question by saying that the allegation in the newspapers was completely false. That is my reply and I think it is complete.

Of course, everyone knows that when it comes to participation in international conferences, the universal rule for the host country is that each country speaks with one voice. Still, a province or territory that is part of the Canadian delegation to the international conference, such as UNESCO, for example, can sometimes occupy Canada's official seat and present one or more aspects of the Canadian position, which is in accordance with international law and diplomacy.

For example, in education, provincial participation is coordinated by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, which designates one province or territory in turn to represent all the ministers at UNESCO meetings. In 1998, British Columbia was head of mission and in October 2003, Canada's delegation to the Education Commission was led by Manitoba minister McGifford, who represented the Council.

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, I will be pleased to answer the question.

We have now settled the mass hysteria over the Tomorrow Starts Today program caused by the opposition itself. I can tell you first that committee proceedings are confidential, and secondly that media reports were completely false.

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

I have the feeling the opposition does not need us to provoke hysteria.

As to my presence--

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, I would like to answer the first part of the question first. The hon. member asked about the minister. The answer is no. The letter reads:

“The Conservative Party also has several concerns specific to the Tomorrow Starts Today program package. While the recipients of the funding may be highly deserving we feel that the process is vague and that there is a lack of precision and detailed criteria demanded in the selection of recipients”.

This letter was sent to Joysanne Sidimus, of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre. These letters have been sent to answer requests for support for the Tomorrow Starts Today program. The signature is Mr. Harper's.

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, the answer is no. But I have the feeling they referred to a November 3 letter sent by the Leader of the Opposition. We had this letter in our possession. It says about Tomorrow Starts Today that the Conservative Party Supports Funding for the Arts:

“However, while we support funding for the arts, there are some basic principles that have to go along with this money. We believe that accountability must be promoted. There must be measurable results and to determine whether or not there is a starting and ending point to the program--

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

In light of everything that was just said, it is only fair to say that Canadian literature is one of our great causes for national pride. Works by such writers as Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Gilles Courtemanche, Anne Hébert and Alice Munro are translated in dozens of languages and appreciated the world over.

The fact that Canadian literature has garnered such success is all the more impressive considering that our country comprises two relatively small linguistic markets.

Therefore, support by the government of Canada is crucial to the success of Canadian literature here at home and abroad. Our framework of regulatory measures and targeted aid has ensured that Canadian creators and producers possess the tools they need to succeed.

Part of this strategy consists of supporting important cultural elements such as the Giller Prize and also the Salon du livre de Montréal, the Montreal Book Fair, which will hold its 27th edition beginning Thursday, as well as all other book fairs — it is totally true — all over Quebec. There is one in Quebec City, one in Gatineau. They are everywhere.

The year 2004 is the 25th anniversary of the Book Publishing Industry Development Program. That program remains a significant factor underpinning the success of Canadian literature. It helps Canadian publishing companies to grow and to publish more Canadian authors. By the way, Ms. Munro's works are published by a Canadian publishing house.

Thanks to this program, these books are available in all the major world markets. The program also ensures that such awards as the Giller Prize play a key role in enhancing the visibility of Canadian books.

The first works by all 2004 Giller finalists were published by Canadian-owned publishing houses in receipt of assistance from the department. WIthout that assistance, they would find it very risky to publish any new writers. The government will continue to work with Canadian authors and publishers in order to continue this momentum.

Canadian literature will therefore be able to sustain the unprecedented commercial and artistic successes it now enjoys. I believe it is appropriate in this, our 25th year of helping literature, to congratulate all Canadian and Quebec authors, both anglophone and francophone, who have done us proud everywhere in the world.

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague for his question because it gives me an opportunity to talk about our 25 years of contribution and action in the area of literature.

I would like, first, to congratulate Ms. Alice Munro for her second Giller Prize which she won for her short story collection last week. One had to be there, in Toronto, to see the pride not only of Ms. Munro, but also of people around her who were giving her this prize.

In that context, I would like to highlight what the New York Times writes in its November 14 issue about Alice Munro. I quote from the Book Review section:

“Alice Munro has a strong claim to being the best fiction writer now working in North America”, The New York Times said today.

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, the issues are being muddled here. First, we represent the Department of Canadian Heritage. Our committee is the Canadian heritage committee, not the industry committee. Our topics of consideration are the protection of our culture, our cultural industry and our Canadian broadcasters.

Let me point out, however, that the Broadcasting Act is designed to prevent the sale or import of illegal devices in Canada. The grey or black market is illegal. The changes contemplated would strengthen penalties and establish more efficient import controls with respect to satellite television decoders.

As we know, the Court of Quebec has handed down a decision in the D'Argy case. The government is seriously considering reintroducing the bill in the House to increase control over the grey and black markets and better protect our Canadian industry, which is after all creating jobs.

I might add that we have access to 350 television channels. There are 24 hours in a day. I do not think we can watch all these channels at the same time. Neither can we—

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, it is a newspaper article. I am telling you the truth, the facts, how this works. I am telling you that the CRTC is an independent agency. It is looking at the whole issue, not just RAI, but also access to public third-language, or foreign language, television services while balancing the effect to our Canadian industry.

The CRTC is and shall remain an independent agency, at least as far the members on this side of the House are concerned.