Thank you, Ms. Hepfner.
Thank you, Mr. Aldag.
This is a really important opportunity for Parliament to showcase the discussions that are being had, the societal issues that are being discussed, using that international language of visual art to engage Canadians, immigrants and refugees with the important work that goes on in Parliament. Having been both in the arts and on Parliament Hill, and chaired boards nationally and regionally, I can tell you that this language really does reach people that everyday words don't. That's one thing.
In terms of the support across the country it's huge. I was really thrilled, as I was consulting with artists across the country on a variety of things, and with arts organizations, and I've met with kids from high school right onto nonagenarians who have worked in all arts disciplines, all kinds of arts organizations, that every single discipline told me that the passage of this bill would be a very positive voice of support for the arts across the country. I've had musicians tell me this. I've had playwrights tells me this. They all understand the power of the visual word.
Madam member, I hope you feel that not only will this be a voice for what goes on on Parliament Hill but it will engage Canadians. It will encourage exhibitions elsewhere. I hope there will be some on Parliament Hill as Mr. Aldag has said. It gives the opportunity for commissioned works to be given to special visitors and heads of state as they come. There's nothing more valuable in terms of a relationship than sharing of one's soul and the art and soul of this country. The arts express the soul of this country.
Thank you.