Thank you, Madam Chair, and good morning, everyone. Thank you all for taking the time to be with us today.
A few months ago now, I was in Vancouver, and while I was there I made a point of visiting an organization called Arts Umbrella. They do phenomenal work ensuring that young people, regardless of circumstances, have access to a high-quality arts education. They do a bit of everything in the arts—theatre, music, film and dance. I mention them because we heard in almost all of your opening remarks today the importance of not just creating spaces but creating a system.
Mr. Beamish, you know this well. Your career in dance has taken you across Canada and around the world, working in both contemporary and classical ballet. I'd like to offer you the opportunity to expand on something you said in your opening remarks.
How can Canada better support its dance sector so that artists can build strong careers at home while still remaining competitive on the global stage?