Senator Plett: One brief follow-up, if the senator will indulge me.

First, I am looking forward to hearing her speech on Bill C-11, although I want to absolutely tell you that we, on this side, are not going to rush you in any way to make that speech. Take your time. Take whatever you need — a month, two or three. Make sure that you have a great speech for us whenever you get to it.

Senator Bovey, witnesses have told our committee that online streaming has led to unprecedented access by creators in rural and northern communities to a global marketplace. Again, I know that you will speak to it, but are you concerned, based upon what creators have told our committee, that Bill C-11 could undermine this global access?

Senator Bovey: I’m just back from the North, as you know. I was up in Gjoa Haven about a week or 10 days ago. To get to Gjoa Haven from Winnipeg, Senator Plett, as I’m sure that you are aware, you have to spend a day in Yellowknife. I had a nice route travelling there and then had an opportunity to meet with artists of all disciplines and arts organizations in Yellowknife. I subsequently spoke in Edmonton with many people who work in the arts sector in the rural communities of Alberta.

My concern for the rural communities is that they do not have the kind of access that the South has for a lot of this kind of creative work. If we can find a way — through Bill C-11, Bill S-208 and other initiatives that I hope will be taken — it is my hope that all Canadians in every corner of our country, of all languages and of all cultures will have the opportunity not only to engage in their own creative expression, but also to enjoy the creative expression of others.

(On motion of Senator Ataullahjan, debate adjourned.)

(At 3:15 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)