Lost her last election, in 2006, with 34% of the vote.
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, firstly, to the question as to whether I am in charge, I answer yes, absolutely, and with great pleasure and passion.
As for the review of the departments, the whole issue is the responsibility of the Prime Minister.
That being said, I am delighted to cooperate with the Minister of Industry, whose responsibilities include the section on telecommunications. He is also responsible, with me, for the section on copyright. We are presently drafting it together--
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, I think that with regard to our responsibilities, we all think that a lot of work needs to be done. I have said it. We are working very hard with first nations at the Department of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women Canada.
We are addressing the issue of violence against women as well as the preservation of native culture. Presently, a group is working on preserving aboriginal languages, some of which are disappearing.
I will let my colleague from aboriginal affairs provide answers for all the programs, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, because I am not in a position to do so.
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, one must not only ask questions, but also listen to the answers.
I think that my colleague, the hon. parliamentary secretary, addressed the important role of FACTOR. I should point out that it comes under support to music, which is part of the broader Tomorrow Starts Today initiative.
We have said repeatedly since 6:30 that we intend to renew this program, as it is one of this government's most important initiatives since the establishment of the Arts Council in 1957.
Clearly, we are negotiating the overall program, and I would even say the overall budget of Canadian Heritage.
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, I am throwing the ball back to other governments, the Conservative government in the hon. member's province. It is true that, in some ways, we have a way to go as far as aboriginal peoples are concerned.
I must say, however, that the Prime Minister was the first to bring all aboriginal peoples together at a big round table. Following this meeting, we will continue with specific round tables, including ones to improve the status of women and children as well as social housing.
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, this is an issue we have looked into. When we are presented with reports like the ones from Amnesty International, which are serious reports, this gets us thinking. But I have also pointed out that, within the same department, $1 million in assistance was allocated to assist organizations in dealing with violence against aboriginal women.
We are also working with the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to develop a comprehensive and more permanent plan.
I must say that we have always taken—
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the member is absolutely right. Talking about endowment funds, I have to say that we offer matching funds in Tomorrow Starts Today. In addition, in other programs, we have endowment funds in order to establish a long-term fund to ensure that cultural bodies can have different cash flows.
For museums, it is completely different. In that regard, there are tax incentives for those who offer collections, for instance. Those incentives, which are simply of a tax nature, are adapted to museums.
However, in terms of endowment, we have endowment funds for the funding of certain cultural organizations and of cultural expression.
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I fully agree. Museums are an important part of our heritage.
When we talk about a reallocation exercise, large institutions—I am not talking about the 2,500 museums—have been asked to ascertain whether it was possible, from an administrative point of view, to manage themselves effectively without touching collections or programming. This is what was meant, particularly since those large museums enjoy huge resources in terms of operations. This is a question our institutions are facing.
If the answer is no, well, then, we will deal with it.
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, let me repeat what I stated a while back, which is that it is a part of the reallocation process. Last week, furthermore, on the occasion of a speech, I was asked if, under that reallocation, there would be cuts affecting artists and producers, more broadly those who currently benefit from programs to create, and I said no.
When I talked about museums, I was talking first about national museums and, second, about the 5% we request in the area of administration. I was referring only to our large national museums, in the area of administration.
That being said, on this side of the Chamber, we are--
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, I also have to say that during the electoral campaign, the Conservatives talk about privitazing Radio-Canada and the CBC. I find a bit ironic that they are now asking us to be accountable for the crown corporation.
That being said, on part II, I shall invoke my right not to comment since we all know that this is before the courts. It is thus difficult for me to comment on this. I am being given the signal to remain silent, just to be cautious.
Supply November 16th, 2004
Mr. Chair, I find it a bit ironic that the member will be studying the recommendations one by one when, at the time, he was opposed, although it was always a pleasure to work with him.
That being said, members will remember that there has first been a response to the committee's report. Then we went into the election. The report has been tabled and we will respond to it.
I will also say at this point that I will come back to it.