Canadian Heritage committee  In fact, several examples have emerged quite recently elsewhere in the world, such as in Scotland, and the “intermittence”—the contract work—that we see in France, in particular, is an excellent example. Your two topics intersect, so I'll move from one to the other. The idea of a social safety net and a guaranteed basic income is obviously a huge step in the right direction.

Canadian Heritage committee  Okay. This exhaustion is compounded by the fact that conditions have never been optimal. Now we are asking for more competitive salaries and a new injection of funds, especially for individual artists, in a new scholarship program for artists, and not in operating assistance programs.

Canadian Heritage committee  Of course. It allows for some continuity in the work. It would be a monumental challenge for any profession to live the way artists do, from one contract to the next and from one stage to the next. The creative process is extremely difficult. We are very grateful for the support that has been provided.

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, exactly, and this exhaustion becomes all the more severe when you don't have the means to get out of it.

Canadian Heritage committee  As for winning back the hearts of theatregoers, I don't know. I think their hearts remain loyal, as you said. Earlier, colleagues spoke about the concern for our older audience members. The COVID‑19 prevention measures created fear among older people. They were told that the virus was more dangerous for them than for other age groups, and they were asked to stay at home.

Canadian Heritage committee  It will also be necessary to support the presentation of performances by allowing presenters to take on more risk than ever before, to launch initiatives to promote audience return and development, and to consider alternative modes of presentation to counteract the funnel effect.

Canadian Heritage committee  I'm sorry? I'll wrap up.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. Today, I am speaking as co-chair of the Conseil québécois du théâtre. This non-profit organization brings together and represents Quebec's theatre practitioners and professional organizations to promote the development and influence of the art of theatre in all its diversity.