SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 262

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 5, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 262 - Dec/5/23
Mr. Luc Desilets
  • Dec/5/23 10:31:31 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, things have indeed been delayed. It has been a long process. Based on the description I tried to give, it is clear that it could have been shorter. At some point, the decision-making process broke down. I am almost positive that the two ministers and the two departments wanted the Daoust team to erect the monument. A breakdown happened and time was being wasted, so the Prime Minister's Office unilaterally stepped in and made a decision. Nothing of the kind has ever happened before in the course of public art competitions in Canada. It will cause major fallout not only for this government's credibility, but also for everyone who might be interested in submitting a public artwork proposal someday.
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Context: House Hansard - 262 - Dec/5/23
Mr. Luc Desilets
  • Dec/5/23 10:36:15 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, there are two things to consider. I am repeating myself, but this is about the government's credibility. It brought in a process that was entirely appropriate, but it is absolutely not respecting it. How can we trust what the government proposes? In this case we are talking about public art. This government is like Teflon. It changes its mind whenever it feels like it, but nothing sticks to it. It travels abroad, gets a slap on the wrist and just does it again. That is the first thing. The other really important thing is Canada's credibility abroad when it comes to artists. Canada's arts community has mobilized around this issue. The Daoust team has collected thousands of signatures from people who are offended by the situation. This kind of thing is not done. The government is disrespecting public art. It is disrespecting architects. It is disrespecting designers.
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Context: House Hansard - 262 - Dec/5/23
Mr. Luc Desilets (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, BQ)
  • Dec/5/23 12:09:34 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I have two quick questions for my colleague. First, does she believe that the Prime Minister's Office is in a better position to evaluate works of art? Second, is there not a very simple solution for getting out of the whole mess surrounding this monument that does not exist yet, but is already being called a monument to controversy? Could the government not simply respect the jury's choice? That is all.
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