The Transformation of Canadian Culture Under Liberal DEI Policies
In his forthcoming book Lament for a Literature, former CBC executive Richard Stursberg presents a critical examination of how the Trudeau government's approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has fundamentally reshaped Canada's cultural landscape. Stursberg argues that what began as a well-intentioned initiative has evolved into a system that prioritizes ideological compliance over artistic merit, with profound consequences for Canadian creative expression.
A Shift in Cultural Priorities
Stursberg contends that the Liberal government inherited a cultural sector already weakened by previous Conservative policies, but instead of addressing structural challenges, they redirected focus toward DEI implementation. The famous "Because it's 2015" remark by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signaled a new era where gender parity and feminist principles would permeate all government initiatives, including cultural funding and institutional mandates.
Major cultural institutions including the CBC, Canada Council, and Telefilm quickly aligned with this new direction, implementing requirements for detailed DEI reporting from applicants. Projects now needed to demonstrate specific levels of participation from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, with insufficient representation often leading to rejection regardless of artistic quality.
The Chilling Effect on Creative Expression
As DEI policies advanced, Stursberg observes a parallel development in identity politics: the emerging expectation that individuals have a right not to be offended. This created what he describes as a climate of caution throughout creative industries, where the fear of violating newly established social codes has led to self-censorship among writers, publishers, and cultural producers.
The case of veteran CBC journalist Wendy Mesley illustrates this dynamic. Mesley's distinguished career ended after she referenced Pierre Vailiere's seminal work Les Negres Blancs d'Amerique during a discussion, with someone taking offense at the historical term used. This incident exemplifies how cultural institutions have become increasingly risk-averse, prioritizing ideological purity over nuanced discussion and historical context.
The Impact on Canadian Literature and Media
Stursberg argues that this cautious environment has particularly affected Canadian literature, with publishers and writers increasingly avoiding controversial or challenging material. He questions whether contemporary publishers would release works as provocative as Leonard Cohen's Beautiful Losers, Marian Engel's Bear, or Mordecai Richler's Oh Canada! Oh Quebec! in today's climate.
The broader consequence, according to Stursberg, is that Canadians are increasingly disconnected from their own cultural conversation. As traditional media erodes and audiences turn to foreign digital platforms, they consume less Canadian news, literature, comedy, and documentary content. This represents not just a market shift but a fundamental withdrawal from national discourse, with Canadians effectively "leaving the national conversation" for what Stursberg describes as "another amorphous, filter-bubbling virtual country."
Balancing Inclusion and Artistic Freedom
Stursberg acknowledges that DEI principles were originally intended to celebrate previously suppressed voices and perspectives, not to become what he characterizes as "a punishing exercise in ideological purity." The challenge moving forward, he suggests, is finding a balance between legitimate efforts to increase diversity and inclusion while preserving the artistic freedom and intellectual daring that have historically defined Canadian cultural expression.
This tension between ideological compliance and creative risk-taking represents what Stursberg sees as a critical juncture for Canadian culture. The decisions made by cultural institutions and government bodies in coming years will determine whether Canada's creative industries can navigate these competing priorities while maintaining their distinctive voice and artistic integrity.
