How consuming Canadian media aids the fight against fifty-first state threats
Photo via Flickr.
With the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, we have experienced a renewed concern about supporting Canadian businesses — particularly those in the food and manufacturing industries.
While these industries need critical support right now, Canadians must also prioritize and consume Canadian arts and culture. Canada prides itself on being distinct from the U.S. — however, without a strong cultural identity, that distinction won’t last.
Canadian artists and creators — from authors and musicians to filmmakers, dancers, visual artists, and more — are consistently overshadowed by American artists. This creates a monopoly of consumption where it becomes increasingly harder to produce profitable Canadian-led stories and art, weakening Canadian culture as a whole.
Beyond economic survival, consuming Canadian culture is an investment in national identity. Art is a reflection of who a nation is, having the ability to capture its particular political and natural landscapes, histories, and perspectives. In light of the worsening relations with the U.S., strengthening Canadian identity is long overdue.
Most Canadians take pride in having a distinct culture from Americans. They are proud of their kindness and their healthcare system — but to non-westerners, the differences between the two are not that clear.
As a Mexican, I often hear conversations from non-Canadians who also wonder what the real difference is between Canadian and American culture. Whether in food, movies, art, or books — American and Canadian cultural products are often so interconnected that it can be hard to distinguish. This is because Canada imports so much of its media from the U.S., that its own artistic output gets overshadowed.
It’s important to remember that a country’s cultural sovereignty is as important as its economic sovereignty. Canada’s lack of national art and other media has put the nation at risk of losing its distinct cultural voice. The stories we tell and consume shape public discourse, influence policy, and reinforce shared values. A country that neglects its own culture risks cultural homogenization, where its artistic identity becomes indistinguishable from an international monoculture.
There have been multiple efforts by the Canadian government to stop the country’s cultural identity blending with American media. One such initiative is Canada Reads, which celebrates national literature and encourages Canadians to read Canadian authors.
Funding institutions such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) can help ensure that Canadians are not reliant on outlets from other countries for their news. Policies such as Bill C-18 aimed to support Canadian journalism by requiring tech giants such as Google and Meta (both American companies) to compensate Canadian news organizations. These efforts highlight the ongoing struggle to maintain a distinct cultural presence in a globalized media landscape.
In times of political uncertainty, it is crucial that Canadians unite in their identity and shared values, or risk losing their distinct cultural perspective. Engaging with and supporting Canadian artists and culture is not just a matter of preference at this point — it should be an essential act of national preservation.
There is still a long way to go for Canada when it comes to reflecting the diverse Indigenous values and perspectives, including implementing the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action, but joining the American melting pot will do nothing but regress and diminish all Canadian cultures.
From the storytelling traditions and practices of Indigenous communities to the indie music scene in Montreal, Nova Scotia’s Gaelic dancing traditions, and the invention of modern peanut butter, Canadian culture is already so rich and diverse. Supporting art and culture is not only about “patriotism,” but also valuing the wide range of cultures and narratives that comprise a nation.
While the tariff threat will affect Canadians’ livelihoods by making goods more expensive, it also brings an opportunity for Canadians to rethink their consumption habits. This moment can be used to rediscover and uplift Canadian work, voices, and talents. Whether through food and manufacturing, or literature, film, theatre, and music, investing in Canadian-produced goods and culture is a choice that will strengthen the creative and political ecosystem of the nation. It will also ensure that future generations can continue to tell their own stories — not just those of the American monopoly.
Now is the time to act. The next time you are looking for entertainment or cultural enrichment, consider choosing local products and companies first. The survival of Canadian identity and culture depends on it.
