NEWS RELEASES
MINISTER MARCHI WELCOMES INDUSTRY REPORT ON TRADE AND CULTURE
February 17, 1999 (1:00 p.m. EST) No. 30
MINISTER MARCHI WELCOMES INDUSTRY REPORT
ON TRADE AND CULTURE
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi welcomed a report released today by the Cultural Industries Sectoral
Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT), calling it a good example of citizen involvement in important
national issues.
The report, entitled Canadian Culture in a Global World: New Strategies for Culture and Trade, puts forward
ideas from the country's cultural industries on how Canada can continue to promote cultural diversity in a changing
world.
"This government believes that trade and culture issues are of critical importance not just to Canada but to other
countries as well," said Minister Marchi. "Canada's overall objective remains the same: to maintain the ability to
preserve and promote domestic cultural policies within our international obligations. I look forward to a discussion
on how we can pursue that goal."
The Minister said the report will be part of broad-based consultations on Canadian trade policy taking place across
many sectors. He added that the report will provide a basis for informed discussion at the Standing Committee on
Foreign Affairs and International Trade on how to sustain and promote Canadian cultural industries in future trade
negotiations.
"This report has been over two years in the making, and I look forward to reading the SAGIT's ideas about future
strategies for culture and trade. I will be sharing the report with my Cabinet colleagues including the Minister of
Canadian Heritage," said Minister Marchi.
There are 14 Sectoral Advisory Groups on International Trade, and the members of each group represent a diverse
cross-section of that sector. The Cultural Industries SAGIT has 16 members including artists, producers and
distributors.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has agreed to make the SAGIT report available through
its Web site (at http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/trade-culture) and from its Enquiries Centre (1-800-267-8376 or 613-944-4000 in the Ottawa/Hull region).
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Leslie Swartman
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
|