Mr. Speaker, I want to inform the House of the important contribution made by Shirley L. Thomson to Canada's arts community.
When she was named director of the Canada Council for the Arts on January 1, 1998, a position she held until last December, with distinction I might add, she brought with her with her already vast experience as director of the National Gallery of Canada for ten years, and director of the McCord Museum in Montreal in the early 1980s.
Ms. Thomson was also the first chair of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies.
A champion of funding for arts and culture, Ms. Thomson has worked tirelessly to develop the arts in society.
The triple E formula is often mentioned in this House, with respect to the other place; we might describe Ms. Thomson as a triple E woman: she is erudite, elegant and eloquent.
On behalf of all artists in Canada, I want to thank her for everything she has done for us.