Sir Wilfrid Laurier said in 1877 that the only way to defend one's ideas and principles is to make them known. That statement is a good illustration of the Government's strong desire to actively promote and defend, on the international scene, the interests and values that Canadians hold dear. Canada's cultural industries have experienced unprecedented growth in the past ten years, and provide employment to hundreds of thousands of Canadians, mainly through exports. In the next five years, the Government will establish a network of up to ten educational centres in the Asia-Pacific region to promote Canadian educational institutions. Only Canadian culture can express the uniqueness of our country, which is bilingual, multicultural, and deeply influenced by its Aboriginal roots, the North, the oceans, and its own vastness.
Cultural affairs are a pillar of Canadian foreign policy.
Cultural affairs, in addition to politics and the economy, are one of the pillars of our foreign policy. Canadians want to highlight their achievements internationally and to contribute to cultural exchanges and dialogue. The Government is studying very closely the recommendations of the Special Joint Committee with regard to further developing strategy to encourage creative processes and to improve the production and distribution of Canadian cultural products at home and abroad. This is also true for educational activities and industries. Strategy will have to evolve with the full co-operation of the provinces, certain private organizations and, above all, Canadian artists and creators, to promote their access to foreign markets and publics.