Canadian officials are exploring new ways to curb the flood of American popular culture in Canada. Wednesday, Heritage Minister Sheila Copps is expected to issue a discussion paper raising the possibility that the federal government require movie theaters to show a minimum percentage of Canadian movies. Ms. Copps, whose ministry is charged with protecting Canada's cultural heritage, is also expected to raise, among other ideas, the possibility of new restrictions on distribution in Canada by U.S. movie companies.
Canadian distributors contend that the U.S. companies have excessive leverage in the market.
Details of the ideas weren't available. Any new restrictions would require legislation. It is expected that they would gain considerable support, though some cabinet members have expressed concern that cultural-protection measures anger the U.S. and may be ineffective. On the diplomatic front, Canada is vigorously supporting a French proposal that would exempt cultural industries from the Multilateral Agreement on Investment currently being negotiated by major trading countries. The MAI agreement aims to eliminate ownership restrictions and other impediments to foreign investment.