Mr. Speaker, on April 20, 2000 Canada lost an important pillar of its culture. Louis Applebaum, noted music composer, conductor, arts administrator and champion of the arts, passed away at the age of 82 after a long illness.
Most of us will remember Louis Applebaum's name for his participation as chairman of the Applebaum-Hébert commission, a committee of 18 eminent Canadians who undertook to review cultural policies for Canada.
Mr. Applebaum's accomplishments are legendary. He began his career in 1941 with the National Film Board where he served as music director. After composing for many feature films in Hollywood and New York, he became the first music director of the Stratford Festival. Likewise, he was part of the planning group that led to the founding of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Department of Music at the University of Ottawa. He was also a founder of the Canadian League of Composers, executive director of the Ontario Arts Council and president of the SOCAN from 1994 until his death.
The recipient of a Gemini, a Juno, the Diplome d'honneur, the Order of Canada and several honorary degrees, Mr. Applebaum will remembered for the many things—