Cultural diversity and the new economy

By the Hon Sheila Copps

            … Canada embodies the exploits of all those who sought to build a better world I am thinking especially of those who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new world. Of the Aboriginal peoples who shared with them the spirit of this bountiful land. And of the people from all over the world who today are coming to become citizens and full partners in the building of Canada.

            In fact, each culture is primarily a standpoint from which to view the world. This particular way of seeing the world – of sensing and expressing it – is one of the most obvious badges of identity of a group, however disparate it might be.

            This means that culture is not limited to the cultural or artistic field. It is a way of living, thinking and responding to our environment, of communicating. It is a vital link that joins us with one another and gives us a distinctive voice among nations. And it is by giving shape to their culture and supporting it that individuals take part in building their country together.

            … In Canada, we believe that cultures can draw sustenance from each other. We believe that they must have a say in decision making. That they must be able to resonate to the furthest echo. This is a constant challenge, the greatest of the 21^st century. Now more than ever, we must listen and take the time to appreciate properly our different cultures. Better still, we must respect them. And this respect must become the basis for our relations.

            Cultural diversity may not appear in the list of economic indicators of development. But is plays a key role in the age of the New Economy. Respect for diversity is a synonym for innovation, for social development, for creativity and renewal in each of our countries. It is the promise of a better quality of life for our communities. It guarantees a better appreciation of each other.

            Acceptance of diversity makes nations more open, accessible and democratic. Diversity is increasingly on the agenda at major international meetings. We defend it with passion on the international stage, and I will talk later about the initiatives being undertaken in various forums. But we must also defend cultural diversity within each of our countries. We must encourage expression of our multiple cultures.

            Recently I had the privilege of chairing Canada’s very first National Gathering on Aboriginal Artistic Expression. Over 50 Aboriginal languages are spoken in Canada. Aboriginal creators and artists have thousands of stories to tell, in many different forms. Aboriginal communities are brimming with talent. But most Canadians still know too little about what these communities have to offer. And I am convinced that the unique rhythms, colours and ideas of Aboriginal peoples could enrich France and all humanity.

            We are planning as well a gathering next year of the many cultural communities that give life to Canada, this land of immigrants. One Canadian in five was born outside our country. That proportion is twice as high as in the United States.

            Canadians trace their roots to more than 150 ethnic backgrounds. One half of Canadians are neither French nor English in origin. What’s more, a growing number of Canadians belongs to visible minorities. In just one decade, people of visible minorities have doubled in number in our country. Of all the children entering Canadian kindergarten this autumn, one third will be Aboriginal or of visible minorities.

            Canadians live in a mosaic. At work, at play, on the bus, the train or subway, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Greek, Turkish, Somali, Pakistani, Korean and Chinese Canadians meet, rub shoulders and mingle. By honouring their fellow citizens’ culture and origins. Canadians have forged – and are forging – Canada’s unique identity.

            As Canadians, we see this diversity as one of our greatest strengths. Our country is proud to be the first officially multicultural country in the world. This autumn, I will have the privilege of declaring an annual National Multiculturalism Day.

            The world has made itself at home in Canada, and it finds expression on our airwaves and our screens, in our books, our music and performance halls. But there are two aspects to everything. These new social realities have a serious impact on culture and language, and we must now ask some serious questions.

            Some 6.000 languages are spoken in the world today. How many will be spoken a century from now?

            How can we ensure that the diversity that is a feature of our world is protected and can flourish?

How can we ensure that technology reflects the diversity of our planet?

            How can we ensure that all our children have access to the Internet? The vast majority of Web sites are in English. How can we ensure that our children have access in French or another language of their choice?

            These are vital questions. If we do not find answers to them our countries, our world and our cultures will lose their strength.

            Canadians are fond of cultural products from abroad. But they also want to have access to their own culture. It’s a matter of choice. And when you speak of choice, you are speaking of the freedom to choose.

More than ever, we must fulfil our responsibilities to coming generations. We must act now if we want children here and in other countries to be able to see their own reality reflected when they open a book, turn on the television, computer, or go to see a movie. We believe that they must have their own means of expression, and must have access to the cultural wealth of their country. We also believe that they must be able to contribute to the culture of their country by drawing on their collective memory and their imagination. Canada is not the only country to believe this.

            The International Network on Cultural Policy, founded in Ottawa in 1998, brings together culture ministers from all over the world. Today close to 50 countries belong to the Network.

            … Canada chairs the Working Group on Cultural Diversity and Globalization, which – together with some 15 countries – is now working to develop this much-needed instrument. The instrument will give us greater latitude in maintaining and developing cultural policies in a time of ongoing trade liberalization. It seeks to establish clear ground rules that will enable each of our countries to maintain its cultural policies, while complying with the rules that govern the international trading systems and while protecting export markets for cultural goods and services.

            Beyond the principles of such a mechanism for protecting and defending cultural diversity, we must agree on a draft that will lead to detailed discussions about adopting this essential instrument. Once it is adopted, the instrument will enable us to create favourable conditions for creation, production, distribution, promotion and protection of institutions and means of expression in each of our countries, while still remaining open to the rest of the world. It will be a tool, a practical means of promoting and protecting our own culture so that they can contribute to enriching humankind.

            … The time has past when it was every man for himself in the best of all possible worlds. We are now linked with one another by a pact, which holds that the public has a basic right to information, expression and creation. We are all working to enrich humanity.

            Canada wants tomorrow’s world to celebrate our differences and allow exchanges between people of all countries. The basis for that world will be diversity, and its guiding principle will be protection of our cultures.

The Hon. Sheila Copps is the Minister of Canadian Heritage. The above is an excerpt of a speech she delivered on cultural diversity at the annual meeting of the Reseau Francais in Paris, France, on July 18, 2002.