Culture is at the very heart of nation building for all countries. Canada is no exception. Like you, I'm very proud of our unique Canadian culture. CUFTA, this agreement, contains a cultural exemption or exception that will preserve the parties' flexibilities to pursue cultural policy objectives.
I want to assure all members of this committee that Canada's ability to support our vibrant and flourishing cultural industries will not be affected or diminished by CUFTA. Having just returned from a trade mission in Japan with a very large contingent of cultural industries, I see first-hand not only the excellent cultural businesses in Canada but what they do when they grow into international markets. I think this agreement provides those long-term benefits for those particular categories of businesses.