AT A UNESCO MEETING in Paris from May 25 to June 3, negotiations will resume on the draft Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions. I believe this is a good time to examine what is at stake for Canada – particularly since on May 21 we celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
The draft convention has considerable importance for the future of our culture, our languages and indeed our identity. The strength of our identity derives from the tools we have to promote the vitality of our own modes of expression. Our culture, which defines us and makes us distinct, deserves to be protected. This is why Canada is determined to ensure that UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) adopts a convention clearly upholding the right of countries to implement cultural policies that support diversity in cultural expression.
Our objective is not to raise barriers or resort to protectionism. On the contrary, what we want is to protect and promote an ever greater diversity of cultural expression, whether in film, sound, recording, book publishing or other fields. Diversity depends on our openness to others, as well as our capacity to foster the development, distribution and reach of our own cultural creations. Cultural goods and services can not be treated as mere commodities since, although they have an economic value, they also convey social and identity values.
Canada is playing an international leadership role on this issue. Nationally, our provincial and territorial ministers have given me their unanimous support to obtain an international convention that meets our objectives. The government of Quebec has been steadfast in its support on this issue. We are also counting on the co-operation of the cultural sector, academics and civil society in general.
The objectives that we seek are clear. We want a convention that establishes beyond all doubt the right of each country to adopt policies and take measures intended to protect and promote our own forms of cultural expression. We want a strong and effective convention that will play a significant role on today’s international stage. A convention that will pace the way for greater international co-operation in this area. We need a convention that will become a benchmark in all discussions on diversity of cultural expression.
Finally, we want the UNESCO General Conference to adopt the Convention next fall, and we hope that it will win the support of as many countries as possible to ensure that it is quickly implemented.
We have made substantial efforts to move along the discussions, within Canada and internationally. We do not underestimate the work that remains to be done to successfully conclude the UNESCO negotiations. But we know very well that their success will benefit Canadians as well as all countries that see the need to enhance the diversity of cultural expression domestically and globally.
That will allow each of us to help enrich the human experience with out own viewpoints.
Liza Frulla
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
Ottawa
Ed note: This letter was distributed nationally to Canadian media outlets on May 20th.
