Finance committee  I'll let Mr. Pineau answer that question.

Finance committee  The cultural milieu and the museum milieu were consulted on a new cultural museum policy a year and a half ago. They were all called to come to Ottawa to offer their expertise in developing it with the government. This time cuts were made without even any discussion.

Finance committee  We are aware that these charges are extremely important. No one in this country will ever challenge any government for being accountable and responsible in reimbursing its debt. Our suggestion is that while, at the same time, we reimburse the debt and cut programs without--and I

Finance committee  I reiterate the fact that I think a government that reimburses its debt is a responsible government. What I'm trying to say in a non-partisan fashion is that when--

Finance committee  I even prefaced my response by saying I was going to be non-partisan.

Finance committee  I submitted very humbly that I felt there was a lack of analysis on the programs that have been cut, and an explanation given to Canadians that it is ill-spent by the cultural sector. That is what I said a few minutes ago in French. I submit that's an attack on the integrity of t

Finance committee  As far as the budget cutbacks are concerned, I believe that the Canadian Museum Association has done a very good job. I am a museum director, but I will not respond in that capacity. I will respond in my capacity as president of the Canadian Conference of the Arts, which has a ma

Finance committee  Mr. Chairman, as the Director General of the Canadian Conference of the Arts, Mr. Pineau was also invited, and since he also worked on this file, would you allow him to answer the question? Thank you.

Finance committee  I'm already over five minutes. You have my brief and you have nine recommendations. They all pertain to a government needing to be extremely aware of new working conditions for the labour force in Canada in the 21st century. Thank you.

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning to committee members. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to appear today. The Canadian Conference of the Arts, or CCA, is the oldest and biggest forum of reflection, analysis and intervention on federal policies that aff

Finance committee  How much have I done?

Finance committee  Mr. Chairman, I am Robert Spickler, the President of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Conference of the Arts. I will be testifying this morning. It seems that there was a misunderstanding: two names were mentioned. Mr. Pineau is the Director General, and he is with me.