Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Canada Council for the Arts on its 40th anniversary. Over these last 40 years the council has provided funding for artists and arts organizations throughout the country in all fields of creative work.
Through its programs and funding the council has helped this country to grow and flourish. Canada is now renowned internationally for its cultural excellence, and its artists and arts organizations compete favourably in markets abroad.
The arts community is a dynamic force in Canada's social and economic life. It is the basis for our film, sound recording, publishing and broadcasting industries.
Several of Canada's artists who have enjoyed support from the Canada Council for the Arts are in the House audience today.
I acknowledge and salute them and all other artists in Canada who have made and are making an enormous contribution to the great nation that Canada is today.