Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
MANITOBA LEGAL CLINIC FOR THE ARTS LAUNCH RECEPTION
Government House
Thursday, March 14, 2024
(please check against delivery)
Students of law and lovers of the arts, welcome to Government House and this celebration of an innovative and exciting new venture for legal education and public service.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I begin by acknowledging that this beautiful home and this city are located in the heart of Treaty One land and the homeland of the Red River Metis.
Here, in the ancestral and present-day home of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuit and Metis peoples, we value all the ways that the human experience comes to life in the arts. And as we work for reconciliation and healing, artists will continue to lead us forward.
In my time as Lieutenant Governor – and during my earlier years in elected office and in education – I have had countless opportunities to speak about the remarkable strength of Manitoba’s arts community.
I’ve especially enjoyed impressing visitors to our province with the wide range and long history of our arts community’s accomplishments, in all of the performing, visual and literary arts.
A supportive community is essential for building the kind of artistic richness that Manitoba enjoys.
And so, I was excited recently when Nick Slonosky, who is a long serving Aide-de-Camp, introduced me to the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts and we discussed the idea of holding a public launch for the clinic here in Government House.
Dealing with contracts and intellectual property or with business structure or tax requirements takes a skill set they don’t teach in art or music school. And for many artists, struggling to keep their heads above water as it is, the idea of seeking legal help might seem to be far outside their budget.
Just like its sister clinic – the L. Kelly Vickar Business Law Clinic – this new service will break down barriers – especially those faced by women and Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs and those living in northern Manitoba.
A healthy Manitoban arts community is one where creative people can focus more of their time and energy on developing their talents, sharpening their vision and bringing ideas to life – without legal worries holding them down.
The benefits of this new clinic will flow both ways. I am certain that the law students involved will gain valuable hands-on experience working with clients and helping to resolve real-life issues.
To all of those in at the University of Manitoba and in the legal community who have worked to make this possible – congratulations and thank you for the support you are bringing to the arts and to legal education.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
