Mr. Speaker, one of the messages that came out strongly from the International Network on Cultural Policy is that the recent tragic events call for a stronger commitment to work together on intercultural understanding.
There was an agreement reached on the main policy for the creation of an international instrument to safeguard the rights of states and governments to implement and promote cultural diversity. Canada has agreed to chair the study group which will result in a policy development at the next meeting in South Africa to ensure that culture is not put on the international trade table.