Official Languages committee  I would like to provide a few details on our proposal for a community radio fund. We are trying to raise $18 million. This fund would benefit the country's 140 community radio stations, including campus stations, Quebec community radio stations, as well as all of the stations in French and English Canada.

Official Languages committee  We also used the rate cards, which relates to your question about the audience numbers. The smaller stations have lower rates than the larger ones. The small stations charge a minimum of $15 per 30 seconds while the larger ones can charge up to $40. That is how it works. The rate card is based on the audience rating.

Official Languages committee  It is what we are suggesting. It is not based on any percentage. If it were divided by 21 community radio stations, each one would receive about $24,000.

Official Languages committee  By adopting Bill S-3, the government decided to introduce positive measures. However, thus far, the exact nature of these positive measures has not yet been defined. A positive measure that we are suggesting here is the notion of equivalency. You asked whether the principle will apply, if it is felt that the English-language community is already well served and well informed.

Official Languages committee  We have no difficulty with the notion of Quebec's English-language community benefiting from an equivalency-based system.That is a fact and it is stated in the committee's report: It is far more difficult to reach the French-language community. Obviously, it is because of geographical and demographic factors.

Official Languages committee  The new stringency surrounding media buys has resulted in a radical decline in conventional departmental advertising. It is somewhat strange to see that, out of a total budget of $71 million, only $33 million were spent. That is clearly indicative of the fact that the current accountability process is overly lengthy and burdensome.