[Arirang Culture Connect, March 11, 2025]

Culture Masters, a leading global advocate for intangible cultural heritage and cultural diversity, strongly supports the recent statement by the Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDCE) urging newly appointed Liberal Party of Canada leader Mark Carney to uphold Canadian cultural sovereignty. As an international cultural enterprise, Culture Masters recognizes the vital role of national policies in protecting local cultural industries, ensuring fair remuneration for creators, and regulating the impact of digital platforms and AI on cultural expression.

A Shared Commitment to Cultural Sovereignty

The CDCE’s call to protect the cultural exemption in trade agreements, particularly in the upcoming renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), highlights the need for cultural policies that prioritize local creators over global industry giants. Culture Masters shares this vision and stresses that cultural sovereignty is not just a national issue but a global necessity. Countries must safeguard their artistic industries from being dominated by external forces while fostering international collaboration that respects cultural identities.

"Culture Masters fully supports CDCE’s position on cultural sovereignty and believes that protecting cultural industries is fundamental to preserving national identity and diversity," said a spokesperson from Culture Masters. "We encourage governments worldwide to implement strong policies that balance economic development with cultural preservation."

Strengthening Digital Regulations for Cultural Protection

The implementation of the Online Streaming Act in Canada is a significant step toward ensuring the discoverability of local cultural content. The CDCE’s push for a strong regulatory framework for digital platforms aligns with Culture Masters’ advocacy for policies that require digital platforms to contribute fairly to cultural ecosystems.

Culture Masters also underscores the importance of public broadcasters such as CBC/Radio-Canada, which play a crucial role in protecting cultural diversity and should be adequately funded to continue their mission.

Addressing Copyright and AI Challenges in the Digital Age

Culture Masters welcomes CDCE’s emphasis on copyright protection as the Copyright Act marks its 100th anniversary. The introduction of a resale right for visual artists is a long-overdue measure that should be swiftly enacted. However, further copyright reforms are needed for authors, publishers, and the music sector to ensure creators receive fair compensation in the evolving digital landscape.

Additionally, Culture Masters strongly opposes the unauthorized use of copyrighted works for AI training, echoing CDCE’s concerns about the unchecked expansion of AI in the cultural sector. Without proper regulations, AI technologies can erode cultural authenticity, dilute artistic integrity, and undermine creators’ rights.

"Artificial intelligence should not come at the cost of cultural sustainability," said a Culture Masters representative. "We call for a global commitment to transparency in AI training data and clear labeling of AI-generated content to protect both creators and cultural authenticity."

Building a Global Network for Cultural Diversity

The CDCE’s call for an additional protocol to the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions aligns with Culture Masters’ broader mission to build an international framework that safeguards cultural heritage in the digital era.

Canada played a pioneering role in ratifying this UNESCO Convention 20 years ago, setting a global precedent for cultural protection. Today, as the world faces unprecedented challenges in digital governance, AI ethics, and trade policies, Culture Masters advocates for renewed international cooperation to defend cultural diversity and intangible heritage.

"Culture Masters is committed to working with organizations like the CDCE to ensure that cultural diversity remains a priority on the global stage," the spokesperson added. "We invite governments, institutions, and cultural stakeholders worldwide to join us in shaping policies that protect cultural heritage while embracing innovation in a responsible and ethical manner."

Conclusion

As Mark Carney assumes leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, the global cultural community will be watching to see how Canada upholds its commitment to cultural sovereignty, creator rights, and digital fairness. Culture Masters stands in strong support of CDCE’s advocacy and remains dedicated to fostering international dialogue, policy development, and collaborative initiatives that promote cultural sustainability.

For further updates and insights on cultural policies and global heritage protection, stay tuned to Culture Masters(culturemasters.org).