Mags Canada calls for continued strong cultural exemption for magazines in NAFTA negotiations

Magazines Canada is calling for maintaining a strong cultural exemption in the North American Free Trade Agreement , which is now being renegotiated. 

"The cultural exemption in NAFTA is essential for the continued sustainability and growth of Canada's creative industries, of which Canadian magazines are proud to be a part," said Magazines Canada CEO, Matthew Holmes [in a release] 

"Maintain a strong
cultural exemption"
-- Matthew Holmes

"Canada has a long history of ensuring that Canadian citizens are able to find and access Canadian voices and perspectives on a range of issues, whether politics and news, artistic practice or business insights. A continued cultural exemption provision in NAFTA is crucial in order to preserve Canadians' access to quality Canadian content—especially now that so much of what is produced elsewhere is only one click away. 

The association says that Canada's nearly 2,700 business-to-business, consumer and cultural magazines contribute approximately $1.7 billion to Canada's GDP. Canadian magazines are produced in every province and territory across the country, and are published in 34 different languages.

Over three-quarters of Canadians of all ages read magazines: 60% of these read magazines in print-only, while 92% read via a combination of print and digital platforms, the association said. While the Canadian magazine sector recognizes print's legacy, it also drives digital innovation in media: offering Canadian content via the web, tablet, mobile, social media and video. The jobs that Canadian magazines create also support many other industries: from agriculture, finance and the professions, to journalism, information technology and the arts.