Canadian Heritage committee  You said a lot.

Canadian Heritage committee  Okay. What I understood you were asking was whether with the reform that happened at Canada Council we have noticed any changes and any impact from that. That's what you were asking. No. Like Mr. Jackson, I've not noticed that it impacted the proportional amount of funding that

Canadian Heritage committee  I can't speak for what it would be across the whole arts community, but I think it would be very defensible and very smart.

Canadian Heritage committee  I can't speak for them, but I would tell you that it's a very defensible and progressive way to think about things.

Canadian Heritage committee  I can't speak for the arts community, but I can speak for myself as an artist and being responsible for a pretty significant organization in this country, and say that it's a smart idea. So, yes, I agree with it.

Canadian Heritage committee  Also, I think I'd agree with that no matter where I lived.

Canadian Heritage committee  I am now actually at five: Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario, since I worked in Ottawa, Manitoba, when I was in Winnipeg, and now Alberta, in Edmonton.

Canadian Heritage committee  That is a very good question, as the situation is complicated. May I answer in English?

Canadian Heritage committee  Just to make sure the focus stays on the fact that it's really about inequity, suffice it to say that what the Canada Council does in this country is exceptional. It's extraordinary because for me, it's a Canadian priority to make sure that we understand that the arts speak for o

Canadian Heritage committee  Do you mean when I was sitting on a jury, for example, at the Canada Council? Is that what you're referring to?

Canadian Heritage committee  Right. I've been happy to sit on juries at Canada Council over the years. There is a palpable difference at the jury table when, with the applications you receive, you see the disparity in the country by the volume of the applications and the quality of the applications that are

Canadian Heritage committee  Then as a representative in my case, because I represent some more of the minority provinces, I speak up, and then that works. Then I'm able to bring a voice to the discussion that brings balance to the conversation. The challenge, as you can appreciate, is that at the jury as we

Canadian Heritage committee  Sure. Thank you for the introduction. Today I'm bringing a perspective to this hearing, which I suppose is what you're calling it, as a Canadian, not as an Albertan. My position right now is President and CEO of the Winspear Centre and of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. I wa