Canadian Heritage committee  No, we were not consulted.

Canadian Heritage committee  Through the media.

Canadian Heritage committee  It wouldn't be possible. In a way, I think it's really something that permits the outside or other countries to invest in Canadian talent and Canadian artists. We have the sense that grant money is provided for the creation of cultural products, that artists are asked to set up their own companies and create these works, but that after that, nobody wants them to be exported or for them to have a chance to be seen elsewhere.

Canadian Heritage committee  Certainly, any tour takes two years to plan. As a result, it is pretty well impossible to factor in budget cuts that came about only a short time ago, compared to the two-year period over which our international touring schedule was developed. No, we have not cancelled anything so far, but there is no doubt that if it is more difficult to obtain funding to respond to opportunities that are available, we will also have more trouble honouring our commitments.

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, absolutely.

Canadian Heritage committee  I am not aware of any.

Canadian Heritage committee  Our hands are already tied behind our back with the budgets we currently have to live within, compared to what is available in Europe. If, on top of that, we can no longer perform in Europe, benefit from their investments and present our work in their theatres, there is no doubt that now, we will have not only two hands, but a foot as well tied behind our back.

Canadian Heritage committee  The Canadian market does represent a certain percentage of our touring, but Canada just doesn't have the population density to sustain the kind of touring that the international stage as a whole can provide to dance companies here.

Canadian Heritage committee  It is very important; it represents almost 80 per cent of our revenues.

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, definitely.

Canadian Heritage committee  Hello, everyone. My name is Edouard Lock, and I am the Artistic Director and founder of La La La Human Steps. I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage for inviting me to appear today. I intend to primarily address the impact on the performing arts community of the cancellation of the PromArt program.