Cultural diversity issues
Cultural diversity refers to the will of peoples to develop and grow in an international
environment favourable to the flourishing of all cultures and true intercultural dialogue.
The principle of cultural diversity flows from a modern world view emphasizing respect for differences.
The rules set forth in international trade agreements tend increasingly to undermine
the role of states and governments in supporting culture. Indeed, one of the objectives
of these agreements is to break down barriers to trade and investment, in order to
stimulate commerce and economic growth. In this context, cultural policies and support
measures such as financial assistance for artists, caps on foreign ownership, and radio
and television quotas may be perceived as trade barriers.
States and governments committed to preserving their ability to support culture through
appropriate policies have therefore opted for a proactive approach, based on cultural
diversity, that underlines the dual nature of cultural goods and services.
The principle of cultural diversity implies recognizing the essential role played by cultural
productions in ensuring social cohesion and identity. It is closely linked with the expression
of a society’s ideas and values. This is why it is important that each culture occupy its rightful
place within its own territory and on the international stage. To this end, most governments adopt
policies and programs to support their respective cultures and cultural production.
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Québec’s position
The Government of Québec was one of the first governments to come out officially in favour of an international
instrument on cultural diversity that recognizes the right of states and governments to support culture. In
collaboration with civil society and cultural stakeholders, Québec has worked to ensure recognition of this right.
Québec campaigned for the adoption of this principle by international bodies such as the International Network
on Cultural Policy (INCP), the European Union and its members and the Assembly of European Regions. The
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) was a key forum for its efforts. At the 2004 Francophone
Summit in Ouagadougou, at the initiative of Québec, the heads of state and government in attendance firmly
supported efforts to convince UNESCO to adopt a convention to protect the diversity of cultural and artistic expressions.
At the bilateral level, one of the vehicles for efforts by Québec was the Groupe de travail franco-québécois
sur la diversité culturelle, a work group that enabled France and Québec to develop joint positions.
The group’s main achievements included the publication of a joint report by legal experts Ivan Bernier and
Hélène Ruiz Fabri, entitled Évaluation de la faisabilité juridique d‘un instrument international sur la
diversité culturelle (“Evaluation of the Legal Feasibility of an International Instrument on Cultural Diversity”).
The report contributed to legitimizing the idea of and set the parameters for an international instrument. It is an
important reference document.
The Government of Québec reasserted its position on cultural diversity by means of an
official decision by the Conseil des ministres (cabinet), made public on September 19,
2003, on the eve of the 32nd session of the UNESCO General Conference. This position may be summarized as follows:
- Québec wants to keep its full capacity to intervene to support culture through cultural policies.
- Québec refuses to make any commitments to trade liberalization in the culture sector, and
will use the necessary mechanisms to protect its policies during trade negotiations
(World Trade Organization, Free Trade Area of the Americas, bilateral agreements, etc.)
and other initiatives aimed at liberalizing trade and investment, each time that issues
are raised that could have an impact on Québec’s ability to support culture.
- Québec supports the creation of an international instrument in favour of cultural
diversity that acknowledges the right of states and governments to develop, implement
and maintain policies to support culture.
- The international instrument should set a specific legal framework for cultural diversity,
while stressing openness to and the expression of other cultures. The resulting framework would
be parallel to and on an equal footing with international trade law, and would include an
effective mechanism for settling disputes.
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Working with civil society
Since 2000, the Government of Québec has provided financial support for the
Coalition for Cultural Diversity (CCD).The
CCD originated within Québec’s cultural community and now groups together about 30 associations
in the areas of culture and communications across Canada. In collaboration with the Comité de
vigilance pour la diversité culturelle de France (French committee for vigilance in the area of
cultural diversity), Québec has set up an international liaison committee that supports efforts
by coalitions. Thirty-four coalitions in as many countries are currently working to convince their
respective governments to refrain from commitments to liberalization in the culture sector.
They actively support UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of
Cultural Expressions. The international liaison committee receives financial assistance from
the Government of Québec to fund its Montréal office.
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UNESCO General Conference
On October 20, 2005, at the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, 148 member countries voted
in favour of the
Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The
vote was the culmination of exemplary efforts by the Government of Québec to mobilize and persuade
its governmental and civil society partners.
In the hopes of seeing the Convention ratified by the maximum number of states, Québec has launched a
diplomatic action plan to this end. The Convention will come into force as soon as it has been ratified
by 30 states, and Québec will be an active participant in an ambitious implementation program.
The cultural diversity issue has led to a remarkable partnership between governments, multilateral institutions
and civil society. Efforts are ongoing - for the greater benefit of Québec culture.
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