The wave of national pride in Canada that’s resulted from Donald Trump’s “51st state” jibes is extending to its TV, film and broadcasting sectors, it appears.
Deadline has seen an advanced preview of polling released today by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), which reveals 91% of Canadians believe Canadian culture and identity must be protected, especially “in contrast to the influence of the United States.” Furthermore, those polled want local content to be controlled by Canadians, rather than U.S. companies.
Ahead of the snap election called by Justin Trudeau earlier this year, just under two-thirds (58%) said they would support a political party that champions Canadian identity by backing the cultural industries. Only 3% said it would make them less likely.
That, in theory, plays into the hands of the ruling Liberal Party, which earlier this month pledged to invest an initial C$150M ($108M) in extra funding into CBC/Radio Canada should it be re-elected. Producers in Canada, like in many other western countries, tend to skew left politically, and sources we’ve spoken to the country over recent weeks are almost unilaterally voting Liberal.
At one point, it appeared the right-wing opposition leader Pierre Poilievre would sweep to power after support for Trudeau’s Liberal Party collapsed. However, a wave of nationalism arose following Trump’s trade tariffs and threat to incorporate Canada into the U.S.
This has led to a much closer election and growing support for the Liberal Party, which is now led by Mark Carney. Notably, only 15% of likely Conservative Party voters saw there was no reason to protect Canadian culture and identity over the influence of the U.S., with just 5% of Liberals saying the same.
Today’s polling, conducted by Abacus Data and based on results from 1,800 Canadians between March 31 and April 3, highlights the shift in feeling across the country, as Canada deals with the fallout from Trump’s actions since becoming President in January.
Trump’s tariffs strategy has softened in recent days as he has implemented a 90-day pause on countries hit with the highest levies. He froze the baseline 10% global tax in Mexico and Canada, but his posturing has clearly struck a nerve with Canadian citizens.
Other notable lines in the CMPA’s poll show 83% want to see more investment in Canadian-made TV, film and digital content with higher production values, 87% agree Canada’s cultural identity is worth protecting, 86% believe the government should actively support cultural and creative industries through direct funding and tax credits, 90% agree Canadian content should be owned and controlled by Canadian companies rather than U.S. studios, and 96% want to see pubcaster the CBC producing content that reflects the country’s history. Some 72% of Canadians would also prefer to watch locally-made TV, film and digital content.
“These numbers confirm that Canadians want to see their perspectives represented on screen, and will strongly support a government that champions content that is produced and owned by Canadians,” said Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA. “Canadians cherish our distinct identity, and firmly believe it should be defended at home and promoted on screens around the world.”
