In her editorial of August 31 on the evolution of cultural policies in Quebec, Louise-Maude Rioux Soucy rightly points out that, ” [dans] “A Canada that no longer even cares about ensuring a facade of bilingualism, Quebec would be better served with full powers over its cultural destiny if it really wants to completely overhaul its architecture. Our prosperity depends on it.”
To complete this portrait of the situation, I would like to add that, in the introduction to the 1992 Quebec Cultural Policy, the following was written under the signature of Ms. Lisa Frulla: “In the current constitutional context, as Minister of Cultural Affairs of Quebec, I intend to reaffirm the need for Quebec to obtain control over cultural matters on its territory. Culture is of fundamental importance to Quebec. As such, it is important that its government be recognized as having the exclusive powers it needs to assume its responsibilities.”
In an article published in The Dutyentitled “A policy backed by 25 years of expertise” (January 4, 2017), I had put into perspective the strength of the network of cultural institutions that Quebec has equipped itself with to ensure its mastery of cultural matters. In addition, I had highlighted this commitment and the many contradictions of political positions on this issue.
All in all, the history of Quebec’s cultural policies teaches us that “cultural project management,” always mentioned for its relevance and its pressing need, is more of an election slogan that comes back periodically without materializing in reality. As if it served as a counterweight to our collective impotence… It is never too late to make it a real “policy,” rather than a “political” affair.
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