Canadian Heritage committee  We are obviously less sensitive to what we don't see. However, we know that there are reactions following international championships or Olympic Games. Just think of the 1976 Olympic Games: tens and tens of Nadia Comanecis were born. In 2005, we had the aquatic championships: registration soared.

Canadian Heritage committee  We couldn't speak that precisely because we obviously aren't in Radio-Canada's shoes. However, we know that we can pick a few stars among the young developing athletes. But they aren't the only ones in federated sport. The others are less visible, less seen; they're covered less.

Canadian Heritage committee  Nothing was justified. It's more subtle than that. Federated sport, of course, doesn't sell and isn't profitable. It's not for no reason that TVA and TQS aren't involved: it's not profitable for sponsors. When you don't believe in it, it's so easy not to cover it, not to talk about it and gradually not to go to it.

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, that's correct.

Canadian Heritage committee  There is very little on Radio-Canada.

Canadian Heritage committee  On the other channels, on RDS, for example, they get significant coverage. They work with us, during the Quebec Games, among others, and on certain occasions, like the Gala Sports-Québec. So there is collaborative effort. Moreover, RDS took over from Radio-Canada when it withdrew, because the Quebec Games were already being produced in cooperation with the corporation, at its expense.

Canadian Heritage committee  There's little coverage by TVA. They've opted to cover professional sport, but in a different way as well. There is very little federated sport, amateur sport.

Canadian Heritage committee  There's still a little. Let's say it's coming back slowly. We can think of the Impact matches that are presented, which is entirely new. We've learned that boxing is coming back as well. But things are nevertheless very limited with regard to sport.

Canadian Heritage committee  We're aware of the costs and of what that represents, but we also know that a corporation like Radio-Canada has a responsibility that it must bear. We've named a few for you, including the promotion of physical activity. When you think of the problems of obesity, excess weight and inactivity, there is a responsibility there for Radio-Canada, but also for Canadian society.

Canadian Heritage committee  Since you've received the brief, I'm going to address its content briefly. Sports-Québec is a private corporation that represents 64 federations and 17 regional sports and recreation units. It is important for us to remind you that we are not a government organization, but rather a private corporation that reaches 800,000 members, Quebeckers, 60,000 coaches and 400,000 volunteers.