Mr. Speaker, yesterday was an historic evening in Quebec. It marked the first “Cinéma d'ici” gala.
It was a unique and emotion-filled event at which tribute was paid to numerous writers, actors and actresses for the talent and unstinting commitment to quality that characterizes their work.
Film is very much a part of our culture. Without it, society has no soul and would be without a vital means of proclaiming its existence to other nations.
Quebec's film industry is active and draws on considerable talent. It is up to us, the public, to seek it out, to appreciate it and to challenge it so that it can more easily make the transition from within Quebec's borders to the international stage.
Once again, bravo to all the participants and best wishes for what promises to be an increasingly successful future for this cultural industry.