Mr. Speaker, it is a true honour, as always, to stand in this place, particularly with the petition I am presenting today, which concerns one of my constituents. I know I am just to present the petition, so with a tiny bit of latitude I would like to say that Robert Bateman's birthday was last week. He is one of Canada's most extraordinary wildlife artists.
The petitioners from Saanich—Gulf Islands are asking that the government speak to the National Gallery of Canada. Obviously, the National Gallery is independently run, and the petitioners know this, but they point out the shocking reality that even though its mandate is to showcase artists who contribute significantly to Canadian culture and identity, Mr. Robert Bateman's work has never been exhibited there. Therefore, the petitioners call on the government to urge the National Gallery of Canada to redress this and hold an exhibition for Canadians on the lifetime work of Robert Bateman.