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Competition Policy | Culture | Government Procurement
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Competition Policy

It is in Canada's interest for its trading partners to have transparent and predictable competition policy regimes. Competition law and policy contribute to the efficient functioning of markets by addressing practices among firms that can undermine competition, such as cartels that fix prices or abuses by a dominant firm. It is important to the trade agenda to ensure that such anti-competitive practices do not minimize the benefits of trade and investment liberalization. To learn more...

Culture

Canada has a long history of supporting cultural diversity. Cultural products are fundamental to our sense of Canadian identity and community and it is therefore important to promote the Canadian cultural sector at home and abroad while affording Canadians the benefits of trade liberalization. Canada is committed to maintaining flexibility to achieve domestic cultural objectives, while remaining open to other cultures.

  • An International Agreement on Cultural Diversity
    Further to a report prepared by the Cultural Industries Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT) entitled "An International Agreement on Cultural Diversity: A Model for Discussion"(html | pdf), Canada was an active participant in the negotiations for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The text of the Convention meets Canada’s core objectives: it recognizes the dual nature of cultural goods and services (i.e. having both an economic and social value); re-affirms the right of governments to adopt policies to support cultural expression and places this agreement on an equal footing with other treaties while respecting existing obligations. Canada accepted this Convention on November 23, 2005.

  • The World Trade Organization: From Doha and Beyond
    Mr. Sergio Marchi, Canada's Ambassador to the WTO, addresses the Canadian Association of Broadcasters.
    Date: June 10, 2002
    Place: Banff, Alberta

  • Government Response to the SCFAIT Report: Canadian Culture in a Global World: New Strategies for Culture and Trade
    The report of the Sectoral Advisory Groups on International Trade (SAGIT) recommended that Canada pursue a new international instrument on cultural diversity. The House of Commons Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (SCFAIT), and Canadian Heritage, held hearings and concluded by supporting this recommendation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Canadian Heritage carried out extensive consultations on this issue. The Government responded on November 15, 1999.
    Link to the Government Response to the SCFAIT Report - Recommendations 28 and 29

  • Canadian Culture in a Global World: New Strategies for Culture and Trade
    The Cultural Industries Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT) released a report entitled "Canadian Culture in a Global World: New Strategies for Culture and Trade" on February 17, 1999. The report puts forward ideas on how Canada can continue to promote cultural diversity in a changing world. The report is part of the broad based consultations on Canadian trade policy that is taking place across many sectors.

  • Discussion Paper - May 1999

  • Related links:

Boycott Policy

The Government's Boycott Policy was announced in 1976. It remains in effect. To learn more...


Date Modified:
2007-03-13

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