Culture is the very soul of our society, in the sense that it reflects our beliefs and convictions, our way of life and our perception of the world around us.

The Ties That Bind, The Report of the Standing Committee on Culture and Communications, 1992

Canada's struggle to protect its identity dates back to the introduction of commercial radio broadcasting in the 1920s. At that time, Canadian politicians and public leaders were concerned that U.S. radio programming would dominate Canadian airwaves.

These concerns led to the formation of the first Royal Commission on media in 1929. This commission, called the Aird Commission on Radio Broadcasting, recommended the creation of a national broadcaster (now the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) to promote Canada's national cultural identity.

The early introduction of a public broadcaster significantly shaped the Canadian mediascape over time. Although Canada developed a hybrid system of public and private broadcasting, policymakers have typically argued that both sides of the divide have responsibilities regarding the public interest. In addition, private broadcasters have historically benefited from protectionist policies and the infusion of public funds.

Current debates over funding of the arts, the regulation of communications, and the impact of trade agreements on cultural identity reflect this long-standing commitment to the public interest and the desire of Canadians to preserve what is uniquely their own.

The chronology on the right hand sidebar traces the formative events in the history of Canada's attempt to promote and protect cultural expression from 1920 forward.