Chris Lloyd is an artist who has been writing a letter to the Canadian Prime Minister almost every day since 1999.  At the time he started the practise, he was a student at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.  Thousands of letter later, he still hasn't had a reply from a Prime Minister.  But each day, he continues to share a mixture of personal and political viewpoints with the man who runs the country.

Here's a recent sample:

May 2, 2006.

Dear Stephen,

I've just finished washing dishes and cleaning up after having friends over for supper.  Claudine cooled an amazing chicken in carrot juice and made homemade mushroom soup and appetizers and homemade chocolate truffles.  So today is Budget Day.  I've read that the Canada Council for the Arts is getting an increase of fifty-five million dollars over two years.  Most artists and arts organizations in the country were asking for a hundred and fifty million dollars. But it's better than nothing, I suppose.  Of course, that fifty-million dollars begins to pale compared to other elements.

Here's one of my favourites: "Various programs to enhance border security, national emergency response,  a no-fly list and arming border guards will cost four hundred and four million dollars over two years."

On the home front, we're still looking at buying a house.  We really need to figure out our finances, leaving me and my horrible credit rating out of the equation.  Let's see:  I graduated from art school in 1999.  Does the statute of limitations apply to student loans? Or will Premier Bernard Lord forgive half my debt if I settle in N.B.? I hear you are good with math.  Will you help me with my taxes?  I haven't filed in a few years.

Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd

Lloyd's project is part of an art movement called "international conceptualism", according to Peter Dykhuis.  Dykhuis is the director of the Anna Leonowens Gallery in Halifax, N.S. where Lloyd's work has been on exhibition in the past.

In his documentary, Dear Prime Minister, Saint John journalist Mark Leger explores the reasons why Lloyd has continued a project even after years of rejection.

Related link:

Click on this link to read Chris Lloyd's blog containing his letters to the PM.