The issue of foreign ownership of broadcasting is a contentious one as there are interests on both sides of the debate with reasonable arguments to their effect. Recently a competition review panel urged that Canada loosen the restrictions it currently has on foreign control of media if it is to remain competitive. It has been said that the limits that are currently in place has resulted in many of Canada's companies being inefficient and uncompetitive. As it currently stands, the Investment Canada Act dictates that any takeover of a Canadian company in excess of $295 in worth must be overseen and approved by the government. It is argued that these restrictions make Canada's broadcasting industry less competitive, and this affects the consumer. This is a compelling argument in favor of loosening the restrictions on foreign ownership of broadcasting in Canada, but it does not address the most important issues; cultures, sovereignty, economics, public opinion, and democracy. This policy brief will argue why Canada needs to maintain its hold on restrictions on foreign ownership of media in Canada.
[...] In other words, if Canada were to allow foreign interests to control to own and control Canadian communications and cultural industries, the activities of these companies would fall under the laws of two countries Canada and the other and this would serve to dismantle the sovereignty of the Canadian state.[8] Finally, there could be important concerns relating to national security if important and potentially sensitive Canadians communications systems were owned and controlled by foreign entities.[9] Clearly there are good reasons to oppose the loosening of the foreign ownership standards. [...]
[...] It is the recommendation of this report that the government of Canada proceed by continuing with the restrictions on foreign ownership that are currently in place. The arguments that say that lifting these restrictions would result in increased investment are flawed because they do not consider the negative implications of such a move (those that have been highlighted in this report). It is recommended that the Canadian government maintain its position and invest money in Canadian industries. This will continue to grow these industries and will continue to positively affect and grow Canada's infrastructure while continuing to strengthen the economy and provide Canadians with jobs in Canada. [...]
[...] Canada urged to lift foreign ownership limits in several sectors. CBC News. June Accessed from http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/06/26/tech-competition.html Robertson, Grant and Bradshaw, James. CRTC Looks to Retool Canadian Television. The Globe and Mail February Accessed from http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090213.wrcrtc14/busin ess/Business/Business/&id=RTGAM_20090213_wrcrtc14 Statistics Canada, Economic Contribution of Culture in Canada, no December 2004. Peter Nowak. Canada urged to lift foreign ownership limits in several sectors. CBC News. June Accessed from http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/06/26/tech-competition.html Directors Guild of Canada. Ownership and Control of Canada's Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Cultural Industries. January Accessed from http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cprp- gepmc.nsf/vwapj/Directors_%20Guild_Canada.pdf/$FILE/Directors_%20Guild_Canad a.pdf [...]
[...] Only though national ownership of these sectors would the diversity of voices in Canada is sure to get a voice. It is critical to culture in Canada that the control of broadcasting, telecommunications and cultural industries remain in the control of Canadians.[20] Finally, there are political considerations at stake, and as mentioned they are important in three ways. In order for democracy to work as it is supposed to, there must be a free-flow of ideas that reflect Canadian society, and none other. [...]
[...] Our government has no intention of changing anything with respect to foreign ownership; I can assure you of that.”[4] She made it clear that the government and the people of Canada understand the importance of keeping media in Canada in the hands and control of Canadians. There are significant economic, political and cultural reasons to stick to this Minister's position. Economically speaking, the foreign ownership rules that have been put in place are there to make sure that Canada continues to have a strong communication sector and cultural industries that have extended reach across the whole country, while utilizing much of Canada's skilled workers to get the job done. [...]
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