Mr. Speaker, on March 7, 1999 the great riding of Hamilton West will once again host the Juno Awards. I cannot think of a better place to honour our performers and to show our appreciation for Canada's best musical talent.
Canadian music has never enjoyed more success at home and abroad than right now. Canadian International Music Week, the week leading up to the Junos, allows us to acknowledge Canadian talent in an increasingly competitive world.
The tidal wave of sales and success for Alanis Morissette, Céline Dion, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Sarah McLachlan and, dare I say, the True Grit Band certainly have international music industry observers wondering if there is something magical here.
There really is magic on the Canadian music scene. This week we pay tribute not only to those artists who are currently reaching the high notes, but also to hall of famers like Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Glenn Gould, Buffy Ste. Marie, Maureen Forester—there are just too many to list—and this year's inductee, Luc Plamondon.
We don't need a million dollars to hear the rock, jazz and Canadian folk music live on stage in Hamilton next week.