Mr. Speaker, I am speaking today about the proposed takeover of Maclean-Hunter by Rogers Communications Inc.
I am here to speak neither for nor against such a move because in my party we encourage the entrepreneurial spirit which built this great country.
When this matter goes before the CRTC for approval I submit it is important that this commission take into consideration the effect this deal may have on small town Canada.
In my riding of Mission-Coquitlam there is a labour dispute at the local Rogers Cablevision outlet. This dispute has hurt families that are involved in a lockout and inconvenienced many who do not cross lawful picket lines. It is my belief that the interests of small town and rural Canada must always be front and centre when we consider the effects of corporate manoeuvring.
A large percentage of Canadians have little choice concerning the source of the news they receive. Let us be cautious when we are put in a position of limiting these choices even further.