The Decibel Do we need a ‘buy Canadian’ movement for culture?
8 snips
Oct 27, 2025 
Barry Hertz, Film and deputy arts editor at The Globe and Mail, dives into the pressing state of Canadian culture. He argues that cultural identity is crucial for national sovereignty and discusses how American media shapes perceptions in Canada. Hertz highlights the role of public funding and recent challenges, particularly with Bill C-11. He also addresses the unique cultural landscape in Quebec and proposes lessons from other countries on supporting the arts. With over $63 billion in economic contribution, he emphasizes that a stronger cultural policy is necessary.
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Culture As Core Of Sovereignty
- Culture shapes national identity and gives Canadians reasons to protect one another.
- Barry Hertz argues that without cultural bonds, sovereignty is only geographic lines.
State Funding Is Normal Internationally
- Public funding is standard worldwide to protect domestic culture from dominant foreign markets.
- Hertz notes countries like the UK, France and South Korea invest state resources to grow cultural industries.
Make Streamers Fund Local Content
- Require foreign streamers to reinvest a portion of Canadian revenue into local production.
- Hertz frames Bill C-11 as a way to make Netflix, Disney+ and others fund Canadian content.