Bill S-208

Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada Act

An Act respecting the Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada

This enactment provides a framework for the Government of Canada’s implementation of the Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada, including by requiring the Minister of Canadian Heritage to prepare and implement an action plan to give expression to the Declaration.

Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada Act

[Jim Carr, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

moved that Bill S-208, An Act respecting the Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada, be read the first time.

Madam Speaker, our rich tapestry of artistic expression reflects Canada's cultural diversity, one of our great strengths. Creative expression not only help us to understand the depth and vitality of our own cultural experience, but also presents Canada's unique story to the world through the universal language of art.

The declaration, promoting the essential role of artists and creative expression, recognizes the vitally important role of artists and the arts in Canadian society. It calls for artists to be respected and promoted, and to have the right to intellectual property on their work and to be free from cultural appropriation. The declaration would ensure the fruits of artistic expression are accessible for the enjoyment of all Canadians.

I am honoured to sponsor Senator Bovey's Bill S-208, an act respecting the declaration on the essential role of artists and creative expression in Canada.

(Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)

Message from the Senate

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

I have the honour to inform the House that messages have been received from the Senate informing the House that the Senate has passed the following bills to which the concurrence of the House is desired: Bill S-208, an act respecting the Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada; Bill S-222, an act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood); and Bill S-224, an act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons).

It is my duty, pursuant to Standing Order 38, to inform the House that the questions to be raised tonight at the time of adjournment are as follows: the hon. member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Health; the hon. member for Calgary Centre, The Environment; the hon. member for Calgary Rocky Ridge, Taxation.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for New Westminster—Burnaby.