This week, the Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDCE), which brings together the main francophone and anglophone professional organizations in Canada’s cultural sector, co-organized two electoral townhalls focused on cultural policy issues. Candidates from all major federal parties were invited to discuss their commitments and priorities.

Candidates from the Bloc Québécois, the New Democratic Party, the Liberal Party of Canada, and the Green Party of Canada participated, and all expressed unequivocal support for the protection of the cultural exemption in Canada’s trade agreements, an essential provision that enables the government to adopt policies in support of Canadian cultural industries.

The French-language debate took place on April 14 in Montreal, in partnership with the Réseau Culture 360°, Culture Montréal, and the Carmelle and Rémi-Marcoux Chair in Arts Management at HEC Montréal. Hosted by journalist Johane Despins, it brought together Martin Champoux (Bloc Québécois), Marwan El Attar (New Democratic Party), and Steven Guilbeault (Liberal Party of Canada).

The English-language townhall was held on April 16 in Toronto, in partnership with OCAD University. Moderated by music journalist and researcher Melissa Vincent, it featured candidates Karim Bardeesy (Liberal Party of Canada), Sandy Crawley (Green Party of Canada), and Norm Di Pasquale (New Democratic Party).

At both events, discussions covered several crucial issues for the future of the cultural sector: the defence of cultural sovereignty in a context of trade tensions, cultural funding and the socioeconomic conditions of artists and cultural workers, the impact of artificial intelligence, the Copyright Act, the Broadcasting Act, and the future of CBC/Radio-Canada. Several commitments were made, often shared by more than one party.

“We thank the candidates for participating in these key democratic events. The protection and promotion of the diversity of our cultural expressions must be front and centre during the campaign,” said Bill Skolnik, Co-Chair of the Coalition.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

• Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDCE) Platform – 9 Proposals to Strengthen Canada’s Cultural Sovereignty
• Replay of the townhall in English
• Replay of the townhall in French

Photo Credit : David Ospina – Brian Medina