Canada is a true nation of immigrants. Immigrants from all over the world have brought a rich and colorful culture, forming a diverse cultural environment. Immigrants to Canada bring together different ethnic groups and cultures in harmonious integration, forming a hallmark that distinguishes Canada from other immigrant-receiving countries. It is this unique cultural environment that Canada takes pride in that attracts countless new immigrants to choose Canada.
Canada has always attached great importance to the investment and support of cultural and creative industries. Recently, Canada's new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Mélanie Joly as the Minister of Canadian Heritage. In the mandate letter, Trudeau clearly outlined the top priorities for Joly during this term.
Trudeau believes that the primary goal of the Minister of Canadian Heritage is to implement the government's various plans aimed at vigorously developing Canada's cultural and creative industries. "The cultural sector is a huge source of economic development for Canada. Our plan is to protect important national cultural institutions, defend official languages, promote all industries that reflect our unique identity as Canadians, and provide employment and development opportunities for the cultural and creative industries."
Trudeau stated that his government will reverse the practice of the previous two governments of significantly cutting funding for cultural and creative industries, and will increase investment and support for these sectors. Over the next 5 years, the main tasks to be completed by the Department of Canadian Heritage are:
In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding. The Department of Canadian Heritage should further refine current celebration plans and support the government's efforts to promote this important celebration.
Restore and increase funding for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and ensure that the appointment process for members of its board of directors reflects merit and independence.
Double the investment in the Canada Council for the Arts to reach 360 million Canadian dollars per year.
Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board of Canada, with a total of 25 million Canadian dollars in new annual investment.
Restore two Canadian overseas cultural promotion programs that were cancelled by the previous government, update the program designs, and increase funding to a total of 25 million Canadian dollars per year.
Increase funding for the "Canada Summer Jobs" program for heritage institutions to cultivate the next generation of Canadians to work in the heritage sector. The government has pledged to provide 40,000 jobs in various fields for young people each year.
Work with the Department of Infrastructure and Communities to invest heavily in new cultural infrastructure, making it an important part of social infrastructure investment across the country.
Launch a new multi-year official languages program; establish a website to provide free online language learning services to ensure the status of English and French as Canada's first and second official languages, respectively.
Work with the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs to provide new funding to promote, protect, and strengthen Indigenous languages and their cultures.
Work with the Treasury Board to ensure that all services provided by the federal government fully comply with the Official Languages Act.
Work with the Department of Justice to restore and improve the "Court Challenges Program," which aims to provide more assistance to vulnerable groups such as linguistic minorities, women, and people with disabilities.