The Uncertain Future of Quebec Culture :: Canadian Culture Essays

The Uncertain Future of Quebec CultureGaetan Tremblay, a prof of communications at the University of Quebec at Montreal and deputy manager of the Group of inquiry on cultural industries and social computerization (GRICIS), is a leading tec for public policies in the field of communications. Tremblay is an advocate of public policy that defends against cultural imperialism by countries such as the United States . In particular, Tremblay studies the effects of the media on culture in Canada especially in a province equivalent Quebec which is distinct from the rest of English Canada. Tremblays article on the Americanization of Quebec culture is fairly more than a decade old, yet most of the information he provides is still relevant today. In his article, Tremblay takes a look at the onset of Quebec s airwaves by American content. His title refers to a belief in his perspicacity that the Quebecois culture will one day be compound into that of America , which in turn will lead to Q uebec throwing itself into the melting bulk of American culture. The first part of the article concerns policy, the never ending advancement of identity by the Quebecois. Tremblay calls for an all out communications policy that would entertain Quebec . He goes on to contend that a policy is not all useful, but that it has becomes more necessary with each passing day. However, Tremblay has ignored the occurrence that Quebec culture is already defended in part by the Canadian constitution. From the beginning, the Canadian federation has provided guarantees, for the Quebec language and culture. The Constitution Act, 1867 contained specific provisions intentional to protect Quebec s distinct culture and language (Nicholson, 2003) Canada has always transmitn guarantees to protect the Quebec culture, a policy would be nice but it is not an imperious must have as he portrays. Tremblay then moves on to say, that U.S discussion section of Commerce would like to deregulate the commu nications industry and how horrible this would be for Canada . He points out that once this happens the U.S will pressure Canada to do the same. Yet, he seems to forget that Canada is a sovereign nation that does not have to give in to U.S pressure. Canada sets its own policies without being influenced by others. It has and will always be this way. Quebec is already officially recognized as distinct, it is entrenched in the constitution.