Montreal Hosts First International Meeting of Professional Cultural Associations
MONTREAL, September 10, 2001 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps expressed her pleasure with the fact that the first international meeting of professional cultural associations, organized by the Coalition for Cultural Diversity (CCD) is being held in Canada. The meeting, which begins today in Montreal and continues until September 13, will bring together nearly 200 representatives of cultural associations from all over the world.Minister Copps was invited to give a speech as part of the opening session. She took the opportunity to reiterate her commitment to cultural diversity and to acknowledge the commitment of all the artists concerned about defending this principle, both at home and abroad.
"You are the flag bearers and defenders of cultural diversity here and around the world," said Minister Copps. "The project for such a meeting developed very quickly and the Government of Canada is very proud to have contributed to it. I am happy that this conference on the issues of cultural diversity across the planet is being held here in Canada, one of the most multicultural countries in the world."
The Coalition for Cultural Diversity was founded in 1998 and includes 30 professional associations in various cultural sectors in Canada. The International Meeting in Montreal brings together member associations of the Coalition and approximately 50 professional organizations from the cultural sector in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Korea, Denmark, Spain, France, Mexico and Poland. The theme of this first meeting, Cultural Diversity, Cultural Policies and International Trade Agreements, focuses specifically on the film, radio, television, books and music sectors.
The Government of Canada contributed $160,000 for this first international meeting, which will allow cultural artists to establish a dialogue on issues of cultural diversity at the international level.
Information:
Joseph Kira
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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