Overview

Using an analysis of the trade principles found in NAFTA, GATS and MAI, the report examines the possible impacts of pending free trade agreements on Canadian broadcasting policies.  Major findings:

• The following elements of the Canadian production and broadcast system may be prohibited under a new agreement: Canadian content and foreign ownership restrictions in broadcasting; bilateral co-production treaties; public funding for domestic production and mandatory contributions to such funds; definitions of domestic content which favour domestic performers, directors, writers, or other personnel
• Such an agreement would give corporations the right to sue governments for compensation, leading to enforcement by corporations rather than by states
• Such an agreement may in effect favour foreign entities by placing time limits on policy, or by either requiring or removing the possibility of amending current policies

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