The Canadian Co-operation Project

Here's a tidbit that's been buried in history. If passed today would likely (and hopefully) cause an furor across the nation. It was a motion passed by government officials in 1948 that showed an incredible lack of foresight, ambition and even sovereignty on Canada's part. The veritable *stunting* of Canadian initiative.

It goes that the Government of Canada agreed not to pass a Canadian quota system for our own industry or tariffs on U.S. films, in exchange that Hollywood studios to agree to *mention* Canada as often as possible in order to promote the tourist industry. A so called "Gentleman's Agreement".

The agreement was terminated in 1958 after the threat of quotas and tariffs had evaporated. The only trouble is - the damage had already been done. This hinderance to Canadian film production probably did more to solidify the Hollywood's strangle hold on the nation's movie houses, stifle Canadian movie producers who were fledgeling at the time and train Canadian viewers to recognize themselves in American film over their own.

This interesting documentary in the CBC archives from 1975 called Bright Lights & Political Fights: The Canadian Film Industry, illustrates just how poorly this reflects on the Liberal government of the day. It serves to underscore the troubles Canadian film has had throughout the last century.

Enjoy. That is to say, roll your eyes and throw up your arms.

Hosted By: Don McNeill.

"The Canadian Cooperation Project". The CBC Digital Archives Website. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Last updated: 25 Aug. 2004. "http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-68-1406-8999/arts_entertainment/film_industry/clip1"> [Accessed 8 Sept. 2006.]