Madam Chair and members of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, I want to thank you for the invitation to speak to you today regarding my senate bill, Bill S-202, the parliamentary visual artist laureate.

I also thank MP John Aldag for sponsoring this bill in the House of Commons and for his articulate summation of the bill, the role of the proposed visual artist laureate and the means for the selection of this two-year position. I won't repeat what he said, but I would like to underline its importance.

In 2016, in introducing the visual artist laureate bill for the first time, Senator Wilfred Moore spoke of the very real boost this position would give to the arts in Canada. He underlined the significant role of the arts and their truly positive economic impact in Canada. I can add that the life-saving role the arts had for many Canadians during COVID-19 was truly vital.

In supporting the bill, Senator McIntyre noted the ability of the visual arts “to shape the spirit of our society and great nation...[it being] a portrait depicting our lives and history; a powerful way to bring communities from coast to coast to coast together and create a shared vision of ideals, values and hopes for the future.”

Senator Ataullahjan talked of the situation in Afghanistan and the burying of the rabab as a significant act. She said, “The strings of the rabab pull at the heartstrings of everyone for that region. For me, it signifies the burying of the heart and the soul of Afghanistan.”

Honourable members, the visuals arts are powerful, meaningful and one of the three international languages—the other two being music and movement. They connect people of all languages, cultures, ages and geographies.

In today's Canada, the visual artist laureate on the Hill will bring the public perspective of Parliament, the importance of our democracy today, and the issues and work of parliamentarians to the fore for every Canadian in ways that will communicate to all—to lifelong and new Canadians, immigrants and refugees—regardless of their mother tongue.

The visual arts are a powerful way to tell our stories and to show our diversities and how we work together.

Indigenous artist, Christi Belcourt, who was the Ontario Arts Council's artist laureate in 2014, did compelling work. Indeed, her window in our Parliament Buildings talks about the issues of residential schools and reconciliation.

Many artists across this country have given their insights on many societal needs, like residential schools, substance abuse and housing. In this position, the visual artist laureate will assist in conveying your work on all issues and will also reach beyond the Hill.

Art is a lever for change, and it has often been seen as the most powerful tool we have to bring about social change. As we address issues of poverty, racial discrimination, crime prevention, health, and so much more, we need this tool more than ever.

That role was recognized by the 1999 report of this committee, “A Sense of Place, a Sense of Being.” It noted:

The role of artists is not only to mirror the values of the society in which they live, but also to reflect on the issues that society must address if it is to know itself better.

I hope you agree this bill acts on that reality.

The visual arts also have the power to teach and inspire. I believe the visual artist laureate will be a bridge to our youth regarding the role of democracy, the workings of Parliament and your commitments, and will assist in addressing the gap in knowledge about civics. It would be a connector across this country and across generations, and open doors to bring us together at a time when that has never been needed more.

Art, as a mirror of society, is not a lie, an exaggeration or a fleeting, impermanent digital commentary. It is permanent, good and an important part of our heritage and ongoing history, portraying honestly what we are and what we are thinking.

In these difficult times, artists are paying attention. Artists from all disciplines have told me about the importance of this legislation. Its adoption would constitute a vote of moral confidence and recognition for them and for Parliament itself. As you know, I consulted with over 600 artists.

In closing, I want to thank members of all parties in the House of Commons, and all groups in the Senate of Canada, for their support of this bill in its earlier times—times that were truncated by prorogation and elections. I want to thank you, and I hope this bill will have your support now.

Thank you most sincerely.

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