(Gary Farmer)

Mister Chair, Members of the Commission, Commission Staff, I’m Gary Farmer.

On behalf of Aboriginal Voices Radio, members of our team are pleased to be before you again today to offer a few final remarks.

With me, are Marilyn Buffalo, Bob Kennedy & Margaret Rider.

We wish to take only a few minutes to provide the Commission with assurance that lisencing Calgary’s first Aboriginal radio service will be the right decision.

(Margaret Rider)

Members of the Commission, AVR will be a completely new voice in Calgary, and a First service to Calgary’s estimated 40,000 Aborginal people. Licensing AVR is the best use of the 88.1 frequency.

The Calgary community has overwhelmingly said they wanted AVR’s Urban Aboriginal service. Local Native broadcasters have said they want to accept AVR’s network programming. At Siksika, and in Morley, we want to offer our own programming back.

Calgary needs Aboriginal radio now.

(Gary Farmer)

We propose to launch with minimal local programming. We have committed to roll out more local programming as resources become available.

We will start with as much local programming as CBC Radio Two. It is our goal to have more local programming like Radio One by the end of our first term of license. Our network service is inclusive. It is national in scope, not a Toronto repeater. AVR will give and take Aboriginal programming from across the country.

We are cautious about our commitments. We promise what we know we can deliver.

(Bob Kennedy)

Our Business plan is based on conservative revenue projections, which move our revenue base towards greater national advertising sales, and away from program underwriting and other fundraising.

NewCap’s Calgary benefits will allow us much faster roll out of our local programming, including a news bureau, with local full-time staff.

We are creating an accountable corporate structure and an experienced team that can meet our objectives.

This structure, and our inclusive community process will ensure our accountability.

We know how to run a radio business.

(Marilyn Buffalo)

The need is urgent. The need is well established.

All the elements are together now.

AVR can afford to launch in Calgary now. Calgary can’t afford to wait. This is the right time.

Commissioners, take comfort, we will succeed.