Government Operations committee  Yes, it is the Canadian Conference of the Arts.

Government Operations committee  Before the budget was presented, a lot of artistic groups lobbied because they wanted that funding to be maintained.

Government Operations committee  You will recall that in Budget 2011 the $100 million to the Canada Media Fund was made permanent. You see it in the main estimates this year because what used to come year to year as funding has not been added to what we already had. I think we already had $30-something million,

Government Operations committee  Absolutely.

Government Operations committee  It leverages almost twice as much money from the broadcast units and the cable companies.

Government Operations committee  Absolutely. There was no cut to any sport funding.

Government Operations committee  Mr. Armstrong, the minister based his decision on the cost of the experience and the number of youth who could be helped by the Katimavik program. We helped 600 youth with $15 million. Our other programs help us extend our outreach much further. We are helping nearly 100,000 you

Government Operations committee  There have been no cuts to the operating budget of the Canada Council for the Arts. That is correct.

Government Operations committee  I do not have that at my fingertips. However, it is true that Canada was one of the only countries that did not cut their arts and culture funding during the crisis, unlike, for example, Great Britain, the United States and most industrialized countries.

Government Operations committee  You are correct. It's viewed as being successful. As a matter of fact, other countries see that very much as a model.

Government Operations committee  Did you mean the interactive media fund, Mr. Nantel?

Government Operations committee  In the first two calls for applications, there were 327 applications. We awarded $11 million to 52 individuals and organizations under the Canada Interactive Fund.

Government Operations committee  What do you mean by "allocated"? Do you mean the number of individuals, which is 327?

Government Operations committee  There have been 327 applications, and the total sum of $11 million has been shared among 52 individuals and organizations.

Government Operations committee  That program has been in existence for several years. In fact, two organizations have been supported. As you know, Canada is a major leader in adopting the UNESCO Cultural Diversity Convention. That convention has been ratified. Now we have decided to eliminate the program. The t