City of Surrey’s Parade of Public Art, Green Timbers Park (Continuum: from Seed to Shelter)

Speech
07/11/2009

Speaking Notes For Dona Cadman, M.P. Surrey North
Vancouver, British Columbia


Good Morning,

As the Member of Parliament for Surrey North, I would like to welcome you and thank you for joining us here today as we celebrate the City of Surrey’s Public Art Program.

In 2008, Minister Oda, on behalf of the Government of Canada, announced to Canada that Surrey would be designated the Cultural Capital of Canada by Heritage Canada because of our understanding and recognition that arts and culture are important to making a community stronger.
As a Surrey resident, I couldn’t agree more. 

Here in Surrey, we pride ourselves on our multicultural and artistic diversity. 

From South Asians to Eastern Europeans, many new Canadians make Surrey North their home because of the opportunity we provide. 

For artists, the nature and the scenic beauty is unrivaled. 

The inspiration that exists with our city is endless. 

Our rich history, west coast influences and cultural mosaic give inspiration to insight to those that pursue it.

Today, we are her to unveil another addition to the City of Surrey’s public art project that showcases the artistic talent of our local artists. 



Eric Robertson’s project, “Continuum: from Seed to Shelter” pays homage to the western cedar which is not only our official provincial tree, but is a part of the splendor and beauty of our natural landscape.

But this project isn’t just an amazing metaphor for societal development which represents birth, growth and renewal, it is also recognizes the first-nations of British Columbia and their traditional use of the western cedar.

I believe that Mr. Robertson also wanted this to provide a vision for us as residents of Surrey. 

To stop, reflect and to remember the importance of Mother Nature and the things she gives us, as well as the need for us to work to protect her and especially Green Timbers.  

Eric, I wish to personally thank you for allowing us to use and to celebrate your piece of art. 

As a frequent user of Green Timbers myself, I know that your collection will continually remind me and the tens of thousands of users that walk down this path each year of the importance of the western cedar and the need to protect it.

On behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada, I would like to thank and congratulate the Mayor and Council, the Public Art Advisory Committee and the Artists Selection Committee for all of their work and for another great addition to the public art collection. 

Your efforts and stewardship have just provided further evidence as to why Surrey isCanada’s Cultural Capital.

Thank You.