CRTC hears debate on considering ‘cultural element’ when defining Canadian content
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is currently in the process of redefining Canadian content, and one of the key considerations being discussed is whether a “cultural element” should be included in this new definition. The CRTC is holding a public hearing from May 14-27 in Gatineau, Que., to gather input and perspectives on this matter.
While the CRTC has expressed a leaning towards excluding a cultural element from its content test, it remains open to hearing alternative viewpoints during the two-week hearing. The Public Interest Advocacy Centre has advocated for maintaining the current approach, which focuses on the employment of Canadians in key creative positions. They caution against attempting to objectively define what is culturally Canadian, pointing to potential issues with a small group of people making these determinations.
The advocacy center also raised concerns about the potential for production companies to exploit Canadian stereotypes to bypass any cultural element test. They emphasized that simply portraying a Canadian character through an American lens does not constitute Canadian content, as it merely reflects an outsider’s perspective on Canadian culture.
On the other hand, there are voices in favor of incorporating cultural elements into the definition of Canadian content. The National Film Board, for instance, has argued that now is the time to include cultural considerations in the CanCon definition. They highlighted the importance of preserving what makes Canadian content unique and expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of omitting cultural elements.
The NFB referenced cultural tests used in other countries like Australia, France, Italy, and Britain, where cultural elements are considered alongside factors like nationality of key creative roles and ownership. These cultural elements can include social or political relevance, depictions of ways of life, and recognizable locations or figures. The NFB stressed that excluding cultural elements from the definition of Canadian content has hindered Canadians’ ability to recognize stories that truly reflect their identity.
As the CRTC continues to deliberate on this issue, it will be essential to strike a balance between promoting Canadian content that is authentic and reflective of the country’s diverse cultural landscape while also ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market. The outcome of this discussion will have significant implications for the future of Canadian media and entertainment.
