Mr. Speaker, the circus is in town. Indeed, the Cirque du Soleil is making news these days with its all new show called “O” in Las Vegas as well as the “Saltimbanco” tour, in town until November 8.
Since its inception in 1984, the Cirque du Soleil has astonished 17 million spectators with its wonderful amalgamation of the talents of street performers and circus artists. This Quebec company headquartered in Montreal currently employs 1,300 people and will generate approximately $300 million in billings in 1998. In addition, the Cirque du Soleil commits nearly 1% of its income from ticket sales to supporting young people suffering socio-economic hardship.
This is an example of success made in Quebec, where arts, business and solidarity have come together. I urge all my colleagues to attend the circus and wish every success to these ambassadors—