Screening Investments, Pure Protectionism, or Cultural Securitisation?

Abstract

The article conducts a comprehensive examination of Canada’s Foreign Direct Investment screening mechanisms, with a specific focus on the cultural sector as outlined in the Investment Canada Act. Through a detailed analysis, this study reveals Canada’s distinctive stance on integrating cultural considerations into its FDI policies, setting it apart from other major economies like the United States or China, which lack similar measures. Utilising a mixed-methods approach that combines doctrinal analysis with case studies, this article unpacks the rationale behind Canada’s protective stance towards its cultural industries. It argues that Canada’s approach is not merely a manifestation of economic protectionism but a strategic effort to safeguard cultural sovereignty and national identity amid globalisation pressures. The findings suggest that Canada’s policy could serve as a precedent for other nations seeking to balance cultural sovereignty and economic openness. Moreover, the article raises critical questions about the potential implications of linking cultural protection with national security concerns for Interactive Digital Media, highlighting a nuanced debate on the intersection of cultural policy and sovereignty in the age of digital globalisation.