Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments and points that have been brought forward by the member for Mercier.
She has proposed a number of amendments to the licensing provisions basically found in clauses 3 and 7. The substance of the amendments proposed by the Bloc Quebecois are to expand the scope of licensing powers of the CRTC from international services to the wording that existed prior to the amendments and agreed to by the committee, in which the CRTC had broad authority to license both international and domestic providers.
I want to point out that we did have an extensive review of this bill at the Standing Committee on Industry. Every witness spoke on this subject during the committee review. It was the opinion of the committee and the main concerns of the parties that appeared before the committee that the licensing provision in this bill at this time be limited to international services.
We listened to a number of witnesses express their strong support for the introduction of a licensing regime for international services but express great reservation about the use of the power for domestic services. Others argued for the retention of the broad powers, such as the Bloc with its amendments here today.
As the House knows, with any knew regulatory tool there are costs and benefits. With respect to the international services there is clear evidence that such a tool is necessary. While there will be compliance costs, they are small compared to the benefits of making sure that the changes of the Teleglobe monopoly to an international competition is made properly.
We acknowledge that there would be some benefit to have licensing authority for domestic services. However, we already have a fairly well developed regulatory framework. It is not clear on the additional costs and benefits and which one outweighs the other.
We heard very clearly that in its work in telecommunications, which is an environment that changes and advances every day and an environment that we as Canadians need to be leaders in, the CRTC has been moving away from regulating everything to making sure there is competition in that arena.
We listened to all the arguments made in committee. The decision to restrict the power to international service was taken after hearing all of the parties. We believe at this time that it is the right decision. It is most important that we get on with our requirements on adhering to the various telecommunications treaties that we have signed.
I would be against this amendment. I understand very clearly the member's concerns which she has brought forward, but I advise the House that we would be against this amendment.