Canadian Heritage committee  I'll be brief, because I'd love to hear the senator's comments on this. The languages in their pure form would not necessarily be supported by this position. I think, however, that the art forms of indigenous peoples in Canada would be. As languages are very vulnerable, so are art forms.

Canadian Heritage committee  I think that's a very fair consideration, and I hope you discuss it when you get to reviewing the bill. When I looked at sponsoring it from the Senate, I took it in its existing form. I do liken it to a bill I took through the House in the 42nd Parliament related to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and how commemorations of persons, places and events of national significance happen.

Canadian Heritage committee  It's a very fair question. I think the important consideration here is that this position would become part of the institution of Parliament and would be here for the long term. Having that longevity, that permanence, would allow the arts from various aspects of current Canadian culture, including all of the world that has come to call this place home, to be reflected over time.

Canadian Heritage committee  Maybe the senator could start off. This is her field. I can speak to some of my experience within the museums and arts settings after, but it might be beneficial to hear from the senator first.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you. First of all, I have to say that I have the highest respect for our colleague from the Senate, former Senator Bovey. I've known her, and of her, for decades, having been involved in the arts community myself. I followed this bill through its progression through the House a couple of times, and then was actually able to pick it up.

Canadian Heritage committee  Not being an artist directly, I think there is a world of opportunity for the person to curate exhibitions or commission pieces of work. I don't know whether any of you have had the chance to visit the restoration in Centre Block that's happening, but I was part of a tour recently.

Canadian Heritage committee  This is the Canadian heritage committee. I think that each of you have excellent perspectives to bring to it, so yes, we are open to amendments. This bill has been before the House three times. It's been through the Senate three times. There has been lots of discussion on it. It was first put forward by Senator Moore in the 42nd Parliament.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you, Madam Chair and colleagues. I appreciate the opportunity to be here today to present Bill S-202. Bill S-202 is an act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act to create the position of parliamentary visual artist laureate. The parliamentary visual artist laureate position would be an officer of the Library of Parliament, like that of the current parliamentary poet laureate position.

Canadian Heritage committee  It's not my first time.