The complexity and interconnectedness of the various instruments set up to promote and sustain Canadian cultural expression cannot be fully appreciated by taking a scattergun approach to federal policy development. Opening up foreign ownership and control of our telecommunications can only lead to tremendous pressures to do the same in cable and broadcasting.
The potential impact of any such move through international trade must be fully understood by parliamentarians and by the government. New distribution technology opened the world to Canadian cultural products. It is crucial that we not jeopardize the ownership requirements and other regulations and subsidies that ensure such products are made.
It is for these reasons that I would ask that the amendment included in omnibus Bill C-9, modifying subsection 16(1) of the Telecommunications Act, to include satellites, not be passed. This is not the way to change the rules of the game--through the back door.
Thank you for your attention.