International Relations and Policy Development

Welcome to the Website of the International Relations and Policy Development Directorate (IRPD) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Our primary responsibility is the coordination and advancement of the Government of Canada's perspectives on the international dialogue on cultural diversity built a few years ago. Our priorities are outlined below.

PRIORITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE

Influencing the international environment in a manner which complements and supports national cultural policy objectives:

• Advancing Canada's perspectives in the international dialogue on cultural diversity
• Advancing a New International Instrument on Cultural Diversity
• Negotiating Government of Canada's international audiovisual co-production agreements

Contributing to Canada's foreign and trade policy objectives:

• Sharing Canadian Heritage perspectives and expertise at multilateral conferences and meetings, and through bilateral missions
• Shaping the evolution and elaboration of international agreements
• Strengthening international peace and human security
• Reaching out to the Developing World: building capacity and contributing to human development

Sharing Canadian diversity model, values and expertise, and benefiting from the best the world has to offer:

• Providing support to the development and coordination of the international agendas for the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism)(Status of Women), and the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
• Providing Canadian Heritage perspectives and expertise in the development of agendas for visiting international delegations
• Learning from the world - contributing to Canadian policy and program development

In order to fulfill the key priorities above, International Relations and Policy Development has three operational streams - Bilateral Relations, Multilateral Relations, and Policy Development.

We hope you find this site useful and relevant as a tool designed to enhance awareness about Canada's role in the international dialogue on cultural diversity.