Hon. Patricia Bovey: Welcome, minister. My question is about Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency funding for culture.

With Atlantic Canada so rich in cultural diversity — Indigenous, Acadian, Black and Scottish, amongst others — what support exists at ACOA to promote these rich cultures and their histories to the benefit of all aspects of life, including business, in each of these communities?

Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P., Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency: Thank you so much, again, for that very important question. You are absolutely right. Culture and the arts are very important parts of our communities. I can tell you, during the course of the pandemic, the arts have certainly kept our spirits alive. If you ask me, it certainly did something for me.

Through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, significant investments are made to support the arts and cultural components of our society. I know that, through the course of different festivals and events that go on during the course of the year, ACOA is always there to help promote these types of initiatives.

Furthermore, ACOA has been there to support community groups and cultural buildings, as well, in order to help with the growth that is needed. When it comes to Atlantic Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, that is a pillar of investment, and we make sizable investments in that area because, once again, it promotes Atlantic Canada, it fuels the economy and it is good for growth.