Massey Commission

Definition

The Massey Commission was a significant investigation into the state of Canadian culture, established in 1949 by the government to examine the arts and cultural development in Canada. This commission aimed to assess the cultural identity of Canadians and make recommendations to promote the arts, recognizing that a unique Canadian identity was crucial for national unity and pride in a post-war context. Its findings had a lasting impact on cultural policy in Canada, emphasizing the importance of supporting the arts and fostering a distinctly Canadian cultural landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Massey Commission was officially known as the Royal Commission on National Development in the Arts, Letters, and Sciences, and it published its final report in 1951.
2. The commission's work highlighted concerns about American cultural dominance in Canada, leading to recommendations for greater support of Canadian artists and cultural institutions.
3. One of the key recommendations was the establishment of the Canada Council for the Arts, which was created in 1957 to provide funding for various artistic disciplines.
4. The Massey Commission emphasized the role of education in fostering a national identity, advocating for cultural programs in schools to help students appreciate Canadian heritage.
5. The findings of the Massey Commission contributed to a broader understanding of Canadian identity during a time when many Canadians were grappling with their national narrative after World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the Massey Commission address concerns regarding American cultural influence in Canada?
  • The Massey Commission recognized that American culture was significantly influencing Canadian society and posed a threat to the development of a distinct Canadian identity. The commission's findings led to strong recommendations for supporting Canadian arts and culture, emphasizing that fostering homegrown talent was essential for maintaining national pride. By advocating for increased funding and resources for Canadian artists and institutions, the Massey Commission aimed to counteract American dominance and promote a unique Canadian cultural landscape.
• Discuss the long-term impacts of the Massey Commission on Canadian cultural policy and identity.
  • The Massey Commission had profound long-term effects on Canadian cultural policy by establishing frameworks that prioritized support for the arts. Its recommendations led directly to the creation of the Canada Council for the Arts, which significantly increased funding for artists, organizations, and cultural initiatives across Canada. This shift not only helped foster a vibrant arts scene but also cultivated a deeper sense of Canadian identity, as citizens began to engage more with their own culture rather than relying on foreign influences.
• Evaluate how the Massey Commission’s findings reflected broader societal changes in post-war Canada and their significance for modern Canadian identity.
  • The findings of the Massey Commission were reflective of broader societal changes in post-war Canada, where there was an increasing recognition of the need for national unity amidst diverse regional identities. The emphasis on developing a distinct cultural identity underscored an evolving sense of self-awareness among Canadians who sought to define what it meant to be Canadian after years of war. This focus on arts and culture has continued to shape modern Canadian identity by promoting inclusivity, encouraging diverse expressions of culture, and reinforcing a shared national narrative that respects both regional differences and collective history.

Related terms

Cultural Nationalism: A movement aimed at promoting and preserving a nation's culture and identity, often in response to foreign influences or dominance.

National Film Board of Canada (NFB): An agency of the Canadian government responsible for producing and distributing films that reflect Canadian culture and identity.

Canada Council for the Arts:

An organization established to promote and support the arts in Canada through funding, grants, and initiatives for artists and cultural organizations.