The Bloc Québécois is preparing to criticize the Liberal government on cultural issues in an upcoming Montreal byelection. With three federal byelections scheduled in Quebec, the party is focusing on what it perceives as the Liberals' failure to defend the cultural industry in trade negotiations with the United States.
Alexandre Curzi Announces Candidacy
On Thursday, Alexandre Curzi, director-general of l’Union des artistes, announced his bid for the Bloc nomination in Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie. His organization represents 13,000 performing artists working in French across Quebec and Canada. Curzi is the son of Pierre Curzi, a well-known Quebec actor who served as a Parti Québécois member before retiring in 2012.
Curzi aims to replace NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice, who is resigning this summer to run for Québec solidaire in the provincial election. Curzi stated that he felt compelled to enter politics to highlight cultural issues. “For years, I’ve been fighting for our culture and the rights of artists, creators, and artisans, and it is time for me to bring this fight to a new level,” he said.
Bloc Leader's Support
Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet introduced Curzi at a press conference alongside MPs Martin Champoux and Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe. Blanchet joked that he had worn down Curzi to join the party. “I’d say that he was tired of always getting courted and not saying ‘yes’,” Blanchet said. Curzi noted that he had dreamed of entering politics but family reasons had delayed his decision.
Cultural Funding Controversy
Curzi's motivation stems from the federal government's decision to order the CRTC to review a proposed increase on Netflix and other streaming services. The increase would have generated significant funds for Canadian and Quebec content. This move is widely seen in Quebec as Prime Minister Mark Carney capitulating to U.S. demands, especially after the digital services tax (DST) was rescinded last year to advance trade talks.
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller announced a $600 million injection into the cultural sector to compensate for frozen funds related to litigation over the Online Streaming Act. However, Blanchet argued that the cultural sector would lose nearly $1.5 billion from Big Tech due to the DST repeal and approximately $2 billion from renouncing the CRTC's recommendation. With $600 million coming from taxpayers, he claimed a $4 billion hole in the federal budget for cultural industries.
Strategic Messaging
By presenting Curzi in Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, the Bloc aims to emphasize that the Liberals are unprepared to defend Canada's—and particularly Quebec's—cultural industry against U.S. pressure. The byelection is seen as a key battleground for cultural policy.
