The Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDCE) congratulates Pascal Paradis on his appointment as the Government of Quebec’s chief diplomat and negotiator. In this role, he will be instrumental in preserving Quebec’s ability to adopt the cultural policies of its choice within its territory, notably by defending a comprehensive cultural exemption in all our trade agreements with other countries. The CDCE stands ready to work with him to ensure that cultural issues are represented in international trade relations.

This appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Canada ended trade discussions with the United States on August 22, stating, among other things, that it was not prepared to compromise on the protection of culture and French language. The CDCE welcomed this position, which must continue to be firmly upheld.

Over the past year, the CDCE has worked with the governments of Quebec and Canada in the context of trade negotiations with the United States to convey the concerns and interests of the cultural sector. More recently, the CDCE’s Quebec Committee on Culture and Trade Relations with the United States contributed to these efforts in collaboration with Special Envoy Louise Blais. The CDCE would like to thank her for the consideration she has shown for the concerns of cultural stakeholders and for her commitment to defending their interests.

The 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is a fundamental international instrument that recognizes the sovereign right of States to protect culture within their territories. Quebec played a leading role in its adoption, becoming the first government in the world to approve its text. The CDCE, whose work is grounded in this Convention, hopes that this leadership will continue to translate into a concrete commitment to cultural diversity, whether through the adoption of strong cultural policies, unequivocal support for the cultural sector during trade negotiations, or international discussions on the implementation of the Convention.