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Cultural Diversity  

Cultural diversity issues

Cultural diversity refers to the will of peoples to develop and grow in an international environment conducive 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. As a result, 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 recognizes the essential role of cultural production in ensuring social cohesion and identity. It is closely related to 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 borders and on the international stage. To this end, most governments adopt policies and programs in support of their respective cultures and cultural products.

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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 wishes to remain completely free to intervene in support of 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 cultural diversity surveillance committee), 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 secure the support of 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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