Canadian Heritage committee  The fact is I can't, directly. The question is much more complex than that. It also includes what you're going to do with the 400 hours that you're not now using for hockey, and how are you going to program those? There's a question of replacement costs. If, in fact, the NHL goes to CTV--and it's distinctly possible--it would be very unfortunate, because I think it is the oldest mandate we have at the CBC, but it is distinctly possible that we will have to seriously re-evaluate almost everything about English television.

Canadian Heritage committee  I would like to, actually, and I would like Richard to comment, since he's the point man on precisely the problem. I would say, Mr. Abbott, we're going to have a problem with English television for a long, long time, simply because of the level of competition and the alternatives that exist in the English market.

Canadian Heritage committee  No. For us, the ideal is 10 years.

Canadian Heritage committee  At least until then.

Canadian Heritage committee  In fact, Richard and Sylvain have already made decisions for the year...

Canadian Heritage committee  Are you talking about the Beijing Games, or those that will be held in Canada?

Canadian Heritage committee  We will be the broadcaster in 2008, but not in 2010.

Canadian Heritage committee  I have to say that I have not been updated on the current state of affairs. I know that when they gave their presentations to the International Olympic Committee, they said that the French-language service would not be a problem, and that it would be provided by TQS and RDS. I spoke with Mr.

Canadian Heritage committee  If you are talking about our French-language program, the answer is yes, but we will not simply use their signal.

Canadian Heritage committee  I haven't really developed the position, and we don't have an official position, but I would say this. If...and again, it depends on how broad a mandate review, and if the mandate review will also include amending the act. Right now the act dictates—and I say that in the correct way—our relationship with the CRTC.

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, every 10 years, the government makes a decision with regard to taxation and inflation. This means that the BBC knows exactly how much money it will have over a 10-year period. In the seventh year of that cycle, discussions are initiated for the next 10-year period.

Canadian Heritage committee  Ten years would be ideal. I am willing to accept five years, however...

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, the best possible. Our situation is not quite the same as that of the BBC in the United Kingdom, where every 10 years...

Canadian Heritage committee  I would say the best possible.

Canadian Heritage committee  Let me do the journalist and then I'll throw the hot potato to Richard, if you don't mind, because you've hit the nail right on the head. The Prairie Giant story is one of the most complicated stories I've ever seen. And there's probably right, I would say--in fact there is right--on all sides, and it's very frustrating.