As expected, the Canadian government yesterday released its consultation paper on foreign ownership for Canada’s telecommunications companies. Public consultations through to July 30th will give anyone from the public right up to the telecom companies an opportunity to comment on the proposals and suggest which one the government should move forward with.
Through this consultation paper, we are seeking the advice of Canadians on how Canada can improve its position in the digital economy. We must find solutions to the specific issues facing Canada and develop a plan to implement these solutions. This will require the concerted and cooperative efforts of the private sector, academia, governments and Canadians. We all have a stake in this goal, and all have a role in making it happen.
The consultation paper puts forth three main options:
- Increase foreign ownership limits to 49 percent for both telecommunications and broadcasting companies.
- Remove foreign ownership restrictions for companies with less than 10 percent market share first. The removal of restrictions on larger companies would follow later.
- Remove foreign ownership restrictions completely.
Once the consultation process is closed, the Canadian government intends to introduce new legislation although it’s not clear how quickly this will happen.
Now, go have your say…