Finance committee  It could easily be the Canada Council, because it is often in contact with companies that need support abroad. These companies obtain financial support from the council for their creative endeavours. So the council has what I would call intimate knowledge of these arts companies.

Finance committee  When we talk about an increase, we're certainly not talking about increasing the money that is already there. What we mean is to inject additional funds into the system. In fact, the Canada Council's budget should also be increased in accordance with changes in the arts community.

Finance committee  Yes, there is money from the federal level in—

Finance committee  No. If we're talking about the Quartier des spectacles, we're talking about infrastructure so that's money for the construction of buildings. The other files that I listed earlier are still upcoming. The funding has not yet been announced for the Lachine canal, Old Montreal, the Old Port of Montreal and the Bassins du Nouveau Havre.

Finance committee  In the infrastructure program, in fact, budgets are evolving for all these projects. That was the case for the Quartier des spectacles where the federal government invested $30 million.

Finance committee  What's clear is that whenever infrastructure budgets are voted on, some money should be set aside for cultural infrastructure. In Montreal, investments were made in the Quartier des spectacles and revonations or refits of buildings, and there will have to be more. However, I can't give you an exact amount right now, but we could send you this as additional information.

Finance committee  Yes.

Finance committee  Indeed, many Montreal and Canadian arts companies travel worldwide. I'm thinking of dance companies and children's theatre companies who are very successful internationally. In order to ensure their survival, they have to generate autonomous income and they also obtain an important part of this by touring internationally.

Finance committee  Mr. Vice-chair, ladies and gentlemen, members of the committee. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Culture Montréal would like to emphasize the importance of maintaining and strengthening support for culture and the arts as a way of stimulating the economy. Culture Montréal is an independent organization and place for reflection and action that contributes to building Montreal's future as a cultural metropolis through research, analysis, and communication activities.