Honourable senators, I rise today as official critic of Bill S-202, An Act to Amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate). I stand here in support and to encourage you to vote in favour of the motion proposing that the Senate accept both amendments made to Bill S-202 in the other place.

I would like to begin by thanking former Senator Bovey, who sponsored the bill in the Senate prior to her retirement and showed outstanding commitment and determination with respect to the arts in Canada. I would also like to thank Senator Cardozo for taking up the torch.

For colleagues who may be less familiar with the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate bill, it simply establishes a position for an officer of the Library of Parliament whose job is to promote the arts in Canada — through Parliament. The Visual Artist Laureate will foster knowledge, enjoyment, awareness and development of the arts. This new position will bring contemporary artwork into this institution and provide us with new perspectives while preserving Parliament’s history through visual arts.

The other place has made two amendments to this bill that only serve to ensure that the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate better represents the bilingual nature of Canada, as well as new forms of art. These are simple amendments that only serve to strengthen the bill.

The first amendment focuses on the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate’s primary spoken language. Just as is the practice in place for the Parliamentary Poet Laureate, the amendment calls for the primary official language spoken by the artist to alternate.

The second amendment aims to reflect the realities of our shifting artistic landscape by including digital creations. This second amendment seems particularly pertinent as we spend more and more time in digital spaces.

Finally, by passing this amended bill, we will publicly acknowledge the importance of artists and be better able to promote their talents.

Therefore, honourable senators, I humbly ask that you support this motion. Thank you.