Mr. Speaker, today, October 1, marks International Music Day. It was first proclaimed right here in Ottawa 26 years ago by the famous musician Yehudi Menuhin. Since then, this day has been celebrated in many countries, including Canada.
This event brings together people throughout the world to highlight the universal importance of music. Music embodies the ideals of peace and friendship between peoples, the evolution of their cultures and the reciprocal exchange and appreciation of their aesthetic values. Music knows no borders and transcends language barriers. It touches each and everyone of us.
At the invitation of the International Music Council our Minister of Canadian Heritage was asked to serve as the international co-ordinator of International Music Day until 2005.
Canada invites the world to join us in emphasizing the importance of the message of peace and friendship that this International Music Day brings and in recognizing the talent of our Canadian artists.