Mr. Speaker, arts and culture reflect the soul of a community and contribute greatly to its economic well-being. This is especially true in my riding of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour.
Alderney Landing is a hub of activity related to arts and culture. It is the home of Eastern Front Theatre where local writers such as former MP Wendy Lill use their creative talents to write and produce plays.
Alderney Landing is home to the annual Atlantic Writing Awards, one of the best municipal writing awards in Canada started in 1999.
Alderney Landing is also a focal point for community groups and school productions, including the Black Music Awards. It houses an art gallery that highlights local artists and is the home of the great multicultural festival of Nova Scotia.
Next week I will be attending the opening night production of the play Satchmo , written and directed by Hans Boggild.
I want to congratulate the Alderney Landing Board and its chair, Paul Robinson, and the staff, Bea MacGregor, and the rest, for their dedication and support of arts and culture which is so important in maintaining a vibrant community.