9.4 Cultural Developments and the Emergence of Canadian Identity

Canada's post-war cultural boom shaped national identity. The government supported arts through initiatives like the Massey Commission, Canada Council, and CBC. These efforts aimed to foster Canadian creativity and distinguish it from American influence.

Expo 67 and the new Maple Leaf flag celebrated Canada's centennial, boosting national pride. Meanwhile, bilingualism policies and cultural duality debates reflected ongoing negotiations of Canadian identity in a diverse society.

Government Support for Arts and Culture

Massey Commission and Recommendations

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• Massey Commission, formally known as the Royal Commission on National Development in the Arts, Letters, and Sciences, was established in 1949 to assess the state of arts and culture in Canada
• Recommended increased government support for the arts, including the creation of a national library, a national art gallery, and funding for universities
• Findings and recommendations of the Massey Commission led to the establishment of several important cultural institutions and initiatives in Canada

Cultural Institutions and Initiatives

• Canada Council for the Arts established in 1957 as a result of the Massey Commission recommendations, provides funding and support for Canadian artists and arts organizations across various disciplines (visual arts, performing arts, literature)
• National Film Board (NFB), founded in 1939, is a federal agency that produces and distributes documentary, animated, and alternative films, promoting Canadian culture and perspectives
  • NFB has played a significant role in the development of Canadian cinema and has won numerous international awards for its productions
• CBC Television, the national public broadcaster, began regular programming in 1952, providing a platform for Canadian content and storytelling
  • CBC has been instrumental in shaping Canadian identity and culture through its programming, including news, documentaries, and original series

Canadian Content Regulations

• Canadian content regulations, also known as CanCon, were introduced in the 1970s to ensure a minimum percentage of Canadian content on radio and television
  • Radio stations required to play a certain percentage of Canadian music (35% for popular music stations)
  • Television broadcasters required to air a minimum percentage of Canadian-produced programming during prime time hours
• CanCon regulations aimed to promote and protect Canadian culture, support Canadian artists and the entertainment industry, and counterbalance the influence of American media

National Identity and Celebrations

Expo 67 and Centennial Celebrations

• Expo 67, also known as the Montreal World's Fair, was held in 1967 to celebrate Canada's centennial year
  • Expo 67 showcased Canadian innovation, culture, and achievements to a global audience, attracting over 50 million visitors
  • The fair featured national and international pavilions, exhibits, and cultural performances, highlighting Canada's diversity and place in the world
• Centennial celebrations in 1967 marked 100 years since the Confederation of Canada
  • Celebrations included various events, projects, and initiatives across the country, such as the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill and the Centennial Voyageur Canoe Pageant
  • Centennial year fostered a sense of national pride and unity, encouraging Canadians to reflect on their shared history and identity

Adoption of the Maple Leaf Flag

• The Maple Leaf flag, Canada's current national flag, was adopted in 1965 to replace the Canadian Red Ensign
  • The flag features a red field with a white square at its center, in the middle of which is a stylized 11-pointed red maple leaf
• Adoption of the Maple Leaf flag was a significant moment in the development of Canadian identity, as it provided a distinct and recognizable symbol of the nation
  • The maple leaf had long been associated with Canada, appearing on earlier flags and insignia
• The flag debate leading up to the adoption of the Maple Leaf flag was contentious, reflecting the ongoing negotiation of Canadian identity and the relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom

Linguistic and Cultural Duality

Bilingualism and Biculturalism

• Canada is officially bilingual, with both English and French recognized as official languages at the federal level
  • Bilingualism reflects the historical and cultural foundations of the country, with French-speaking settlers in Quebec and English-speaking settlers in other parts of Canada
• The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (1963-1969) examined the state of bilingualism and biculturalism in Canada and made recommendations to promote linguistic and cultural equality
  • The commission's work led to the Official Languages Act of 1969, which enshrined the equal status of English and French in federal institutions and services
• Biculturalism refers to the recognition and promotion of both English and French-Canadian cultures as integral to Canadian identity
  • Biculturalism acknowledges the distinct histories, traditions, and contributions of English and French-speaking Canadians
  • The concept of biculturalism has evolved to recognize the multicultural nature of Canadian society, with the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988 affirming the value and dignity of all Canadians, regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, language, or religious affiliation