Cultural Diplomacy at the Front Stage of Canada’s Foreign Policy

This report presents the findings of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade on the role Canadian culture and the arts should play in Canada’s international relations.

The main conclusion is that cultural diplomacy should be a pillar of Canada’s foreign policy.

Countries practice cultural diplomacy for many reasons. Such activities can generate support for a country’s foreign policy priorities, improve mutual understanding and people-to-people ties, build trust for subsequent interactions, and advance matters of national interest.