Canad The Evolution Of Canadian Cultural Policy

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The evolution of Canadian cultural policy over the past six decades reflects a complex interplay of challenges and successes within the four main sectors: the arts, cultural industries, heritage, and diversity issues, all of which are uniquely tied to one another in many ways. One area of culture that has remained relatively stable is the heritage sector. While this sector has changed in terms of the scope of what it now encompasses today, for brevity purposes this essay will discuss the stability in areas such as museums, historical sites, and preservation initiatives. This essay will also explore the unique dynamics and changes specifically focusing on the cultural industry sector of radio broadcasting. These changes have been driven primarily …show more content…

Interestingly, the Department of Canadian Heritage “oversees policy pertaining to cultural industries” (Goff and Jenkins, 2010, p.182). The heritage sector has maintained stability due to efforts to preserve and promote Canada’s legacy. This is reflective of the Centre on Governance and Canadian Conference of the Arts (2016) report regarding the province of Saskatchewan, “the allocation for most heritage agencies, including the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, remained stable or increased very slightly, although the Saskatchewan Archives Board (newly transferred to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport) received a 2.5% increase” (p.11). Government initiatives have contributed to the resilience of the heritage sector. There has been a growing effort, acknowledgment, and emphasis on the importance of Indigenous heritage. Efforts have been made to incorporate Indigenous perspectives, languages, and traditions into the broader narrative of Canadian history. Ashley (2007) explains that “National Historic Sites, the Canadian federal heritage organization, has begun to incorporate inclusive practices and imagining of Canadianness” …show more content…

Apart from some years in the 1990’s and 2000’s where there were spending cuts to the Heritage and Arts sectors, funding for this sector has remained important to government. Most recently the announcement of “$53 million over the next two years to support Canada’s national museums and the national battlefield commission” (Zoria, 2023, pp. 10. This is a great boost to Canada’s Heritage sector. The sector that has faced significant challenges due to the digital revolution is that of cultural industries, specifically the radio broadcasting area. There have also been many changes that occurred in the broadcast industry regulations, most specifically pertaining to the digital age, which have influenced broadcasting practices. Changing consumption habits, and the growth of online streaming platforms, have changed radio broadcasting. Diversity issues in the broadcasting industry have also been illuminated in the recent years. Regulatory and funding issues have affected the