Canadian Heritage committee  We're discussing the continuation of that fund with the department. As yet, we have no confirmation of the resources. To be perfectly candid, as much as we would like to see additional resources, I don't know if that's going to be the case. For sure, we're looking forward to the fund's renewal.

Canadian Heritage committee  We've not had a confirmation to that effect.

Canadian Heritage committee  Frankly, I can't say it's been our experience to date with the initiatives we've taken on the Canadian video game competition and the work we've done with the working groups. We've looked internally to maximize efficiencies, and I think every public agency should have that as the number one priority.

Canadian Heritage committee  In the case of feature films, no; in the case of new media, we've not experienced that yet; on the ground in the Canadian television funds at the grassroots level, obviously there's concern. It's not the first time. There's the anticipation of its renewal every year, and I'm sure members around this table and others in the House of Commons are vigorously lobbied many times in terms of its renewal--but yes, people are looking for stability and assurances that the projects they're going to undertake six months from now, or whenever, can be financed.

Canadian Heritage committee  We find we're at present turning down 75% of our applications, so one out of every four is getting approved. We think that number should go up. We see increased development. The challenges facing new media are comparable to the historical challenges facing film and television. The development of talent is important, as is the development of projects.

Canadian Heritage committee  I think that when the House of Commons, with near unanimity—certainly with an overwhelming majority—supported the notion of Quebec as a nation, Canada.... I'm sorry?

Canadian Heritage committee  I'm not aware of that decision. As I say, we no longer have any authority over the appointment of board members to the Canadian television fund. Monsieur Bélanger served as a board member, and then once the contract was agreed to, it was decided--and I think to avoid conflict of interest between a service provider and the CTF--that we not have any representation on the board.

Canadian Heritage committee  It's the industry combined with the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Canadian Heritage committee  The Canada new media fund has approximately $14 million, through a contribution agreement with the department. There's no question additional dollars to Telefilm Canada would be appreciated in all of its various programs and funds. I think merely federal money or public money generally is not the sole answer.

Canadian Heritage committee  If I may, to be clear, we provide the administration for the fund, solely. The governance of the Canadian television fund is the responsibility of the board of directors, of which there is representation from the department and the industry as a whole. We have no rights or responsibilities as to the renewal of the fund.

Canadian Heritage committee  I will do so. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and committee members, for this opportunity to meet with you today. I'm reminded this is my fourth opportunity to meet with the standing committee. My name is Wayne Clarkson, and I'm the executive director of Telefilm Canada. With me are Charles Bélanger, the chair of Telefilm's board; Elizabeth Friesen, our chief operating officer; and Michel Pradier, the director of French operations and the Quebec office.