Welcome to the International Affairs Branch

The International Affairs Branch of Department of Canadian Heritage provides a strategic focal point to advance Canadian cultural objectives on the world stage.

In the face of globalization, converging communication technologies and increasing economic integration, preserving and strengthening the bonds of common citizenship and promoting a diversity of cultural expression have become prominent themes on the cultural policy agenda. In this context, domestic cultural policies and programs can no longer be developed and implemented in isolation from the international environment. Through international outreach and engagement activities, DGIA strives to influence the international environment in a manner which complements and supports our national policy and program priorities, and contributes to overall governmental foreign policy objectives.

International Affairs Branch is comprised of:

International Relations and Policy Development Directorate (IRPDD) which, in addition to multilateral and bilateral cooperation, advances Canada's international cultural diversity agenda and the New International Instrument on Cultural Diversity (NIICD);

International Francophonie Directorate (IFD) which is responsible for Canada's involvement within the international Francophonie community in the areas such as culture and heritage, sport, broadcasting, content on the internet and publishing.

The Branch also supports the ministerial-level International Network on Cultural Policy (INCP) by housing the Liaison Bureau, the Network's secretariat which coordinates the activities of the INCP and provides policy research and advice.

The International Sport Directorate (ISD) advances the Government of Canada's priorities for sport in the international sphere. Its activities, which promote sport as an essential element in society and a tool for individual and social development are supportive of Canada's objectives in high performance sport and sport participation. From a policy perspective, the Directorate's priorities are focused on anti-doping, sport for athletes with a disability, and women in sport. Its work is also directed by its geo-political relationships and objectives within the Commonwealth, la Francophonie, the Americas, and the Africa. The Directorate builds relationships with other countries where there is interest on both sides and where there are natural linkages and mutual benefits.