Finance committee  You've no doubt seen, as I have, that a number of studies conducted by various groups refer, in some cases, to a fiscal return of 200% for every dollar invested by governments. In other cases, they say that every dollar invested, directly or indirectly, in a cultural business can generate $3.20 worth of economic activity.

Finance committee  That troubles us, of course, because the arts sector is an under-funded sector in Canada. When these kinds of cuts are made to departments other than those directly concerned with the arts, it concerns us. That's why we're here. We're starting a campaign across Canada to meet with the MPs of all parties in order to demonstrate the obvious need that cultural organizations in Canada have for stable and sustainable funding.

Finance committee  That announcement was made before the election, and now there's a new government in place. We resumed our submissions after the election of this government. As I explained earlier, we obtained $50 million over two years: $20 million in the first year and $30 million in the second.

Finance committee  Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. I'm accompanied today by my coalition co-chair Micheline McKay, who I hope will be able to join me for the question period. The Canadian Arts Coalition is the largest group of arts supporters, artists, arts executives and business leaders ever assembled from across the country.