Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate International Book Day. There could be no better time to pay tribute to all the Canadian writers who, over the years, have put Canadian literature in the enviable place it occupies internationally.
This is also the time to become aware of the importance of books and written materials in our everyday lives and to recognize the exceptional contribution of written communication to the history of humanity.
On the eve of the 21st century and the dawning of the high tech era, we must work even harder to preserve the incredible wealth that is written communication.
The generations after us, who will soon replace us, must know and appreciate the merits of reading. This is the reason why our government is so committed to literacy, education and training programs for our children and for Canadians in general.