Promoting Canadian Creative Industries South of the Border

Minister Joly travels to Los Angeles to promote Canadian creative industries and strengthen economic ties between Canada and the United States

LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada and the United States enjoy one of the closest relationships between any two countries in the world. This enduring partnership is built on our history, our culture, our values and our economy. Together, we benefit from robust trade and investment ties and integrated economies that support millions of jobs in both countries. Nearly 1.2 million jobs in California alone depend on Canada?U.S. trade and investment, and the total value of goods traded between Canada and the State of California is US$44 billion.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, wraps up the Los Angeles portion of a working trip in California today. Over the past three days, Minister Joly has held meetings with various Canadian and U.S. creative entrepreneurs and U.S. government officials. During these meetings, she highlighted the significance of the Canada?U.S. relationship and underscored the economic benefits that both countries gain through collaboration in the creative industry.

During her visit, the Minister met with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California State Senator Ben Allen. They talked about the future of the creative economy in California and the importance of continuing diplomatic exchanges, strengthening cultural and economic relationships, and developing even greater cooperation between the two countries' creative industries in order to innovate and be successful on the international stage. She reiterated how the Government of Canada is helping Canada's creative industries reach new audiences by re-establishing its presence internationally, putting in place the expertise required to promote Canada's creative industries, and enhancing funding for international events so that Canadian creators and cultural entrepreneurs can take advantage of export opportunities.

Minister Joly took part in round tables with the music industry, the Motion Picture Association of America and executives from the six major studios. She gained valuable perspectives on the local industries and exchanged views on how Canada can provide an effective and efficient platform to accelerate growth and innovation for the film and television industry, in partnership with the private sector.

Minister Joly will continue her working trip in San Francisco, where she will focus on identifying opportunities and challenges for creative technology companies; providing perspectives on how Canadian companies can leverage local content on global platforms; and discussing how Canadian companies can develop commercially viable and globally competitive content and services.

Quote

"Canada and the United States enjoy the longest, most peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship of any two countries on the planet. Maintaining strong economic ties is vital to our mutual success. The Government of Canada recognizes that our creative industries are a key sector of our economy and that innovation is the key to economic growth. We understand the importance of giving Canadian creators and artists every chance to seize the opportunities provided by international markets and audiences. I am proud to showcase Canada's creative industries to the U.S and the world. Opening new markets for creative industries will contribute to inclusive growth, create jobs and strengthen the middle class?and help those working hard to join it. Our goal is to help Canadian creative entrepreneurs increase their competitive position on the international stage to conquer new markets, and contribute directly to Canada's overall economic and social prosperity."

?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

SOURCE Canadian Heritage