Canada's Commitment to Cultural Diversity

• Cultural Diversity: a Canadian Perspective
  • Sharing Canadian Stories: Cultural Diversity at home and in the world
  • Canadian Diversity: Respecting our Differences
  • Culture and Heritage: Connecting Canadians through Canada's Stores
• A Framework for Canadian Perspectives on Cultural Diversity
  • Cultural Diversity - Frequently Asked Question
• International Action to Realize the Potential of Cultural Diversity
  • UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity
  • La Francophonie Declaration on Cultural Diversity (only available in French)
  • Summit of the Americas - Plan of Action (Chapter 17 on Cultural Diversity)
  • 1999 Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT) Report
  • Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
  • Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Cultural Diversity: a Canadian Perspective

Canada's experience with diversity distinguishes it from most other countries. Its 30 million inhabitants reflect a cultural, ethnic and linguistic makeup found nowhere else on earth. Approximately 200,000 immigrants a year from all parts of the globe continue to choose Canada, drawn by its quality of life and its reputation as an open, peaceful and caring society that welcomes newcomers and values diversity.

In order to encourage the creation and sharing of Canadian stories, both at home and abroad, which reflect Canada's cultural mosaic, the Department of Canadian Heritage is pursuing a number of strategic objectives. Chief among these is recognition of the importance of cultural diversity. Our commitment and experiences are outlined in the following departmental publications:

• Sharing Canadian Stories: Cultural Diversity at home and in the world
• Canadian Diversity: Respecting our Differences
• Culture & Heritage: Connecting Canadians through Canada's Stories

A Framework for Canadian Perspectives on Cultural Diversity

On a world-wide basis, the trends inherent in globalization are impacting citizenship, culture, and community as well as commerce and trade. Cultural diversity, the diversity of our human family, is an important resource which inspires creativity and stimulates innovation. In the 21^st century, information and communications technologies, increased mobility people and ideas, economic integration, among others provide new opportunities to enhance social and economic dynamism.

We must build the tools needed to ensure that cultural diversity is a mean of improving security and participation, strengthening cultural expression, creating prosperity, and ensuring that all nations benefit from the opportunities afforded by the global environment. Realizing the potential of cultural diversity begins with a common understanding of the challenges and the issues, particularly as they relate to social and economic development.

1. Building Security and Civic Participation in Society
2. Strengthening Diverse Cultural Expression in Society
3. Creating Prosperity in a Global Information Society
4. Addressing the Particular Needs of the Developing World

The Department of Canadian Heritage, through the International Relations and Policy Development Directorate, has primary responsibility across the federal government for the coordination and advancement of Canada's perspective on the international dialogue on cultural diversity in a globalized world. You may have some questions about cultural diversity in general or about the challenges and opportunities of globalization. Below are a few of the frequently asked questions - just click and explore the answers.

• Q: What do we mean by cultural diversity?
• Q: Why is cultural diversity important?
• Q: What is challenging cultural diversity?

International Action to Realize the Potential of Cultural Diversity

Canada participates in numerous multilateral fora engaged in the international dialogue on cultural diversity from trade and security organizations, to development and cultural organizations. Canada is a signatory to various international instruments (treaties, conventions, declarations, etc.) of these organizations that have implications for the rights and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, governments, and states. Below are some key international instruments dealing with cultural diversity that Canada contributed to developing, and that continue to guide us in our work.

• UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity
• La Francophonie - Declaration on Cultural Diversity (only available in French)
• Summit of the Americas - Plan of Action (Chapter 17 on Cultural Diversity)
• Organization of American States - Declaration and Plan of Action
• Council of Europe - Declaration on Cultural Diversity
• G-8 - Okinawa Communique

At the moment, the greatest challenge facing the international community is the relationship between cultural policies and international agreements on trade and investment. And Canada is no exception. On this issue there has been significant national discussion and study in the form of three substantial reports to government.

In its 1999 report entitled Canadian Culture in a Global World: New Strategies for Culture and Trade, the cultural industries Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT) considers that Canada is at a crossroads in the relationship between cultural policies and international agreements on trade and investment. The SAGIT's analysis of the implications of the evolving international environment led the group to recommend a new approach to cultural trade based on the premise that instead of defining ourselves simply as the producers and consumers of tradable goods and services, we must now step forward and reaffirm the importance of our cultural diversity, and the ability of each country to ensure that its own stories and experiences will be available to both its own citizens and the rest of the world. To read the full report you can go to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade or click on the link below:

• 1999 SAGIT Report
  Canadian Culture in a Global World: New Strategies for Culture and Trade

In subsequent reports, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage in its report entitled A Sense of Place, A Sense of Being and the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade in its report entitled Canada and the Future of the World Trade Organization, both echoed the SAGIT's conclusions. You can view both of these reports by clicking on the links below.

• Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage:
  A Sense of Place, A Sense of Being
• Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade:
  Canada and the Future of the World Trade Organization

The combined effect of Canada's historical experience with diversity and our commitment to cultural diversity at home and around the world has made Canada a leader in the international dialogue on cultural diversity, and more specifically, on the development of a New International Instrument on Cultural Diversity (NIICD). The Government of Canada committed, in October 1999, to pursuing an NIICD which would set out clear ground rules to enable Canada and other countries to maintain policies that promote their culture, while respecting the rules governing the international trading system and securing markets for cultural exports. It would also recognize the importance of cultural diversity issues to international social and economic development.

• New International Instrument on Cultural Diversity

In addition to the NIICD, the International Relations and Policy Development Directorate (IRPD) of the Department of Canadian Heritage, on behalf of the Government of Canada, will continue to be a leading voice on Canada's commitment to the international cultural diversity agenda. For more information on the role and priorities of the Directorate:

• International Relations and Policy Development Home Page