Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for this motion. The Stratford Festival is indeed an incredible jewel of Canadian culture. We are so very fortunate.
In recognition of the artistic creativity of the festival and its contribution to our cultural identity, as well as to our economy, I wonder if the member opposite is concerned by the fact that since 2006 there has been a 2.5% decrease in funding to the Canada Council for the Arts? Would the member support a return to 2006 funding, and funding for new international touring as an opportunity to get our artists into international spheres?