Canadian Heritage committee  There are things that are patently obvious. Before becoming Madonna, Madonna had to work at home. Before becoming Guy Laliberté, Guy Laliberté had to work at home. Before becoming Robert Lepage, Robert Lepage had to create — creation is not aimed at the general public, it is a work of experimentation.

Canadian Heritage committee  For my part, no.

Canadian Heritage committee  I was indeed consulted in 2007.

Canadian Heritage committee  In my case, it is obvious that without these grants, there would never have been good quality records or recordings. It will perhaps take me another ten years before I am really well known is my field. We are talking about the minuscule amount of $1.4 million. Why could this amount not be given to the Canada Council for the Arts, why could the funding provided to the Canada Council for the Arts not be increased by a measly $2 million?

Canadian Heritage committee  No, not at all. In fact, the people in my field of endeavour — and most probably the others as well — reacted with complete disbelief. We failed to understand why such a small amount of money would be cut. As small as it is, this amount of money delivers major results for many Canadian artists.

Canadian Heritage committee  Good afternoon. Over the next 10 minutes, I will be talking only about facts and will use no stylistic devices whatsoever. My name is Erick Dorion, I am 34 years old and I live in Quebec City. I am an artist and I have been earning a livelihood through my art for six years now.