Audiovisual treaty coproduction modernization: Seven treaties signed since 2016

Since 2016, Canada's focus has been the implementation of the Coproduction policy. In that time, Canada has signed five modernized treaties with New Zealand, Luxembourg, China, the Belgian Communities, and Ireland. Canada has also signed two new Coproduction treaties with Jordan and Ukraine, countries with which there was no audiovisual treaty previously. It is important to note that treaties with Luxembourg and Ukraine have yet to come fully into effect as they are awaiting ratification.

These signings are pursuant to the introduction of Canada's Policy on Audiovisual Coproduction in March 2013. The policy outlines Canada's new approach to Audiovisual Coproduction Treaty negotiation with the ultimate goal of modernizing old treaties and signing of new treaties in order to stimulate investment in Canada, create opportunities for the Canadian audiovisual industry to access new markets, generate employment for Canadians and establish or expand international markets for Canadian talent and audiovisual productions. The modernized treaties also refer to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which encourage the conclusion of coproduction treaties as one of the means to promote international cooperation.