Canadian Heritage committee  Indeed it was. In this case, it applies more specifically to audiovisual rather than to culture industries as a whole.

Canadian Heritage committee  I have already explained that, as far as we understand the discussions between the negotiating teams, the Europeans want to understand our definition of the provision and how it applies to the agreement as a whole. This is what the minister explained last week. It is basically an issue of form.

Canadian Heritage committee  Our appearance before this committee today is one opportunity. We also widely promote our positions that are already known to the negotiators and to Quebec. Our members also talk about these issues. Everyone is in favour of co-operation, but there needs to be agreement on the format and substance of any co-operation protocol.

Canadian Heritage committee  It is—

Canadian Heritage committee  As I explained earlier, the danger is that an exemption agreement be followed immediately by discussions on a protocol. This might tempt those whose business initiatives have been stymied by the exemption to interfere in the debate on cultural co-operation. There could be attempts to link the substance or format of the exemption with that of the protocol.

Canadian Heritage committee  It is significant. However, once again, this is secondhand information. I am not European and I am not privy to their discussions.

Canadian Heritage committee  Based on the information I have, this is something they are still discussing within the European Union.

Canadian Heritage committee  No, not to establish jurisdiction but rather to clarify the mandate or relationship between the European Union and its member states.

Canadian Heritage committee  Do you think that this issue is more important for the Europeans than for us? It will ultimately come down to who is able to convince the other party to… As far as I am concerned, Canada has always had a clear, coherent and consistent position. Personally speaking, the Europeans do not currently seem to have a clear, coherent position.

Canadian Heritage committee  The negotiators are being pretty transparent when they tell you that they have not made much headway. This is because they have made a lot of progress in many other areas. They have focused on specific issues that were not particular showstoppers. You can look at the situation like that also.

Canadian Heritage committee  There is nothing to indicate that the negotiations will result in anything but a complete exemption. However, we are not there yet... We do not have the wording in front of us today. Consequently, no one can assume the outcome of the negotiation process.

Canadian Heritage committee  Merely adopting an international convention does not immediately give it its full weight. The signatories to the Convention are required to implement it and to undertake concrete action. What do I mean by concrete action? Countries with no or very few cultural policies run the risk of trade agreements or market regulations jeopardizing their cultural expression.

Canadian Heritage committee  I believe that as has already been mentioned here, the Europeans have a slightly narrower view of the concept as regards to audiovisual. Their take is not as broad or as generous as ours. The committee heard last week that the Europeans have specific positions in the area of books.

Canadian Heritage committee  We are moving towards a change in the position of the European Union and its member states. They are not here to confirm this but I feel that it all boils down to an issue of jurisdiction. Who has jurisdiction over what? Do the European Union and its negotiators have the authority to negotiate offensively in this area?

Canadian Heritage committee  I'm going to try to race through. Do you have a copy of my text already? That has been circulated. Okay. I can answer questions at the end in both languages, but I'll do my introduction in French mostly. My name is Charles Vallerand and I am Executive Director of the Coalition for Cultural Diversity and the General Secretary of the International Federation of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity.