Statement

November 27, 2004 -- "During the 10th Summit of La Francophonie, held November 26 and 27, 2004, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, members of the International Organization of La Francophonie reiterated their support for UNESCO, which has been mandated to draft an International Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions.

Canada supports the development of a Convention that re-affirms the right of states to adopt their own cultural policies. Canada wants the Convention to recognize that cultural goods and services have not only an economic but a social value.

The conclusions of the 10th Summit of La Francophonie also reinforce the international consensus on the importance of cultural exchanges. Culture expresses the identity of a people; it is a treasure of humanity. It must not be treated as a mere commodity. It embodies our imagination, our dreams, our hopes, our concerns and our reality, and reflects what we are.

At the same time we know that culture is not an abstract activity apart from the economy. Over the years, we have laid the foundations of a cultural industry that today accounts for no less than $28 billion in economic activity and more than 740,000 jobs. Like other members of La Francophonie participating in the Summit, we recognize that cultural and linguistic diversity supports sustainable development.

According to the Human Development Report 2004, published by the United Nations Development Programme, a framework is needed for trade in cultural goods so that it promotes diversity of viewpoints and choices in the global cultural marketplace, and enables every country to express itself. The Canadian position on this issue is clear. We want to establish conditions favouring creativity and to offer the entire world our best. In return, we want to have access to the best of what the world has to offer.

That is why we are participating with great interest in the drafting of the UNESCO Convention. We recognize its importance for the future of humanity and we want it to be considered on the same level as other agreements, while maintaining all of Canada's rights and obligations within various international bodies.

Quebec has been a partner on this issue from the outset. In addition, Canada has consulted all of its other provincial and territorial partners, including Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon, as well as civil society, which has an active part to play in developing the Convention. Following these consultations, on November 19 Canada presented comments to UNESCO on the preliminary draft Convention.

The comments reflected the resolution adopted recently at the Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Culture and Heritage, in Halifax. That resolution endorses Canada's position on the issue. The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with its national and international partners toward a strong and effective Convention."

Information:

Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and Minister
responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788

[ Media Room ]

Date created: 2004-11-27

Important Notices






Statement November 27, 2004 -- "During the 10th Summit of La Francophonie, held November 26 and 27, 2004, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, members of the International Organization of La Francophonie reiterated their support for UNESCO, which has been mandated to draft an International Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions. Canada supports the development of a Convention that re-affirms the right of states to adopt their own cultural policies. Canada wants the Convention to recognize that cultural goods and services have not only an economic but a social value. The conclusions of the 10th Summit of La Francophonie also reinforce the international consensus on the importance of cultural exchanges. Culture expresses the identity of a people; it is a treasure of humanity. It must not be treated as a mere commodity. It embodies our imagination, our dreams, our hopes, our concerns and our reality, and reflects what we are. At the same time we know that culture is not an abstract activity apart from the economy. Over the years, we have laid the foundations of a cultural industry that today accounts for no less than $28 billion in economic activity and more than 740,000 jobs. Like other members of La Francophonie participating in the Summit, we recognize that cultural and linguistic diversity supports sustainable development. According to the Human Development Report 2004, published by the United Nations Development Programme, a framework is needed for trade in cultural goods so that it promotes diversity of viewpoints and choices in the global cultural marketplace, and enables every country to express itself. The Canadian position on this issue is clear. We want to establish conditions favouring creativity and to offer the entire world our best. In return, we want to have access to the best of what the world has to offer. That is why we are participating with great interest in the drafting of the UNESCO Convention. We recognize its importance for the future of humanity and we want it to be considered on the same level as other agreements, while maintaining all of Canada's rights and obligations within various international bodies. Quebec has been a partner on this issue from the outset. In addition, Canada has consulted all of its other provincial and territorial partners, including Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon, as well as civil society, which has an active part to play in developing the Convention. Following these consultations, on November 19 Canada presented comments to UNESCO on the preliminary draft Convention. The comments reflected the resolution adopted recently at the Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Culture and Heritage, in Halifax. That resolution endorses Canada's position on the issue. The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with its national and international partners toward a strong and effective Convention." Information: Donald Boulanger Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 [ Media Room ]

Date created: 2004-11-27			Important Notices