Statement made on 28 October 2010 by Senator Elizabeth Hubley
Hon Elizabeth Hubley:
Honourable senators, according to Statistics Canada, the apparel industry in Canada is the nineteenth largest manufacturing sector, with over 30 per cent of the apparel exported to worldwide markets. The Canadian fashion industry is a strong segment of apparel manufacturing and Canadian designers have achieved international recognition.
If honourable senators are in Ottawa this weekend, they will see both new and established designers in action at the fourth season of Ottawa Fashion Week at the National Gallery of Canada. Ottawa Fashion Week is a showcase for Canadian fashion designers and brings together media, industry, buyers and consumers to view the spring/summer 2011 lines from over 20 designers.
Ottawa Fashion Week is but one venue to highlight the fashion industry in Canada. The LG Fashion Week, one of the premier fashion events in Canada, was held last week in Toronto. Fashion weeks also exist in other cities, such as Halifax and Vancouver.
I wish the designers showcasing their work this weekend in Ottawa success in this celebration of the creative and multi-dimensional art form that we call fashion.