Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell the House about five festivals that have become must-see events in my region of Vaudreuil-Soulanges: Les Seigneuriales in Vaudreuil-Dorion, which transports us to New France; the Vaudreuil-Dorion international circus festival; the Hudson Music Festival; the S.O.U.P.E. festival; and, to close out the season, the Rigaud festival of colours.
This year's theme is “Stimulez vos six sens dans Vaudreuil-Soulanges”, in other words, stimulate your six senses in Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
I am proud to be from a region that puts culture as a top priority. Developing the creative economy is crucial to the New Democrats because we realize the importance of arts and culture to economic development. Arts and culture constitute 8% of real GDP and bring in billions of dollars to the Canadian economy. However, money is not the only benefit we derive.
This also nurtures our sense of belonging and brings us all together regardless of our age, where we are from or what language we speak.
I commend the Groupe des 5 and I wish them good luck.
Come one, come all to enjoy the magnificent Vaudreuil—Soulanges.