National Gallery of Canada

By Thomas d’Aquino and Susan Peterson d’Aquino

July 28, 2025

Donald Trump’s 51st state drumbeat and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s rallying cry to build a stronger, more resilient Canada require the marshalling of all of our nation’s political and economic resources. The arsenal that will fuel this national drive must combine political will with massive investments in nation-building projects, advanced manufacturing, innovation, trade diversification and the expansion of Canada’s defence capabilities.

Now, let’s add culture and heritage to our arsenal.

Culture and heritage speak with a loud voice to who we are as Canadians — to ourselves and to the world. We have had the privilege of seeing up close Canada’s formidable strengths in the cultural domain – in the visual arts, in music, in theatre, in dance, in literature, and in architecture. We have greatly admired our artists, past and present, who have brought Canadian talent to our stages and museums and enriched our communities.

At a moment in history when asserting our nationality and identity has taken on geopolitical value, Canadian culture can be a formidable advantage. Canadian creators, artists and performers are storytellers, and Canada’s story is unique. As the Prime Minister recognized in inviting King Charles to deliver his first throne speech — in both official languages — there has never been a more important time to project that uniqueness.

We also have seen how other countries have nourished their cultural patrimony and institutions and, importantly, how they have successfully harnessed these strengths to attract visitors at home and project their identity and influence abroad. Canada has much to learn from others and the Carney government should take the lead.

What to do? First, let’s capitalize on all our strengths at home and begin by telling the remarkable story of Canada, of how this country was first inhabited by Indigenous Peoples, how European explorers imported their cultures into the vast new territory, how Canada evolved into a vibrant multicultural society, the envy of the world. Let’s re-engage with a serious study of Canadian history in our schools, embracing celebration rather than denial.

Culture and heritage speak with a loud voice to who we are as Canadians — to ourselves and to the world.

Second, let’s support our artists and cultural institutions. They are the lifeblood of our nationality, the DNA of our cultural identity. Collectively, they make a vital contribution to the economic life of Canada and deserve the tax dollars that go their way. Public support needs to be complemented by private giving. Let’s leverage Canada’s expanding cultural philanthropy to empower what they do.

Third, the advancement of Canadian culture should occupy a high priority in our national government’s agenda, especially so in the conduct of foreign policy. Working in cooperation with Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage, taking Canada’s culture to the world should be an integral part of the work of the Department of Global Affairs. Our embassies and consulates should be staffed with experienced cultural affairs officers with adequate budgets to support their activities.

Fourth, the national cultural institutions for which Ottawa has a direct responsibility, among them the National Gallery of Canada, the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Museum of History, and Library and Archives Canada, must aspire to be global centres of excellence. These institutions and others harbour our history, our collections, our talent and our scholarship. For these reasons, they deserve to attract the brightest and the best from Canada and around the world to their leadership teams. Successful attraction and retention require competitive compensation, which currently is not the case.

Finally, as is the case in other countries where the head of government takes the lead in advancing the cultural agenda both domestically and internationally, Prime Minister Carney should be the standard bearer in championing Canadian culture. This should come as second nature to him as he has demonstrated a strong interest in promoting Canadian identity, and we know first-hand of his interest in Canada’s rich artistic heritage.

Building Canadian resilience and pride of country are Mark Carney’s highest priorities. Carrying the torch for Canadian culture and heritage will serve him and the country well.

Thomas d’Aquino is Founding CEO, Business Council of Canada and Chair Emeritus, National Gallery of Canada Foundation.

Susan Peterson d’Aquino is former Associate Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage.