Mr. Speaker, March 27 marked World Theatre Day. Thirty-nine years ago this day was first proclaimed by the International Theatre Institute, a non-governmental organization founded by UNESCO and international theatre personalities to recognize the universal importance of theatre. It also promotes the importance of artistic creation to cultural development and the exchange of knowledge and practice in the performing arts.
This year the International Theatre Institute chose Canada's Michel Tremblay, the world-renowned Quebec playwright, to pen the International World Theatre day message. The message was read in countless theatres around the world and embodied within it Canada's value for theatre and the performing arts as a vehicle for creative expression and international harmony.
From Vancouver to Halifax, theatre groups celebrated the occasion in many different ways. This year, events were made possible through new and innovative partnerships among the Department of Canadian Heritage, its portfolio agencies and theatre organizations across Canada.