Nov 23, 2010 — News Article: Clement puts telecom decision on hold by Steven Chase
Columnist says the government is delaying plans to open up the telecom sector to more foreign investment only weeks after bowing to a political backlash and nixing the sale of Potash Corp. to overseas bidders.
Nov 22, 2010 — News Article: More consultations on telecom rules: Clement
Industry Minister Tony Clement says a new auction of wireless spectrum is expected by 2012 and that possible changing of foreign ownership rules would be integrated into the consultations.
Nov 22, 2010 — News Article: Canadian Foreign Ownership Rules Could Change Beginning Spring 2011 by Etan Vlessing
Columnist says delaying a decision on foreign ownership rules is expected to give the Conservatives some breathing room in case they are forced into an early election over their upcoming federal budget.
Nov 14, 2010 — News Article: Canada Plans New Guidance on Takeovers After Potash Rejection, Harper Says by Theophilos Argitis
Stephen Harper says his government will outline what kinds of foreign takeovers it will tolerate, after the country rejected Melbourne-based BHP Billiton Ltd.’s bid to acquire Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc.
Oct 18, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa urged to end telecom 'xenophobia' by Jamie Sturgeon
Ottawa should end an "xenophobia" towards international ownership of domestic wireless and broadband carriers that has deterred innovation and resulted in competitive gridlock, says a new report from influential research firm Seaboard Group.
Oct 18, 2010 — News Article: End foreign ownership limits on telecoms: group
SeaBoard Group says the Canadian government should quickly lift all restrictions on foreign ownership in the telecom companies.
Oct 9, 2010 — News Article: Murdoch's Iranian Invasion by Reza Aslan
Columnist says Persian language station Farsi1's controversy exists with the man behind the project, Rupert Murdoch, whose Fox News Network has turned anti-Islam hysteria into ratings gold.
Sep 24, 2010 — News Article: Nine myths about Canadian culture by Kate Taylor
Toronto Star Columnist, Kate Taylor, takes on commonly held beliefs about media in Canada.
Sep 7, 2010 — Policy Brief: Re: CRTC Broadcast Notice of Consultation 2010-551: Application #2009-1674-4
FRIENDS comments on an application by Corus for a broadcasting licence to operate a regional specialty television channel.
Jul 30, 2010 — Policy Brief: Opening Canada’s Doors to Foreign Investment in Telecommunications: Options for Reform
In a submission to Industry Canada, FRIENDS says that in an integrated communications environment, changing the foreign ownership requirement for one sector - telecom - can be expected to cause a domino effect in the other sectors - such as broadcasting.
Jul 13, 2010 — Policy Brief: Digital Economy Consultation
FRIENDS recommends that the Canadian Media Fund, and other federally-sponsored funds, be augmented by tapping into the huge profits of the four big cable monopolies, whose profit before interest and taxes in 2009 exceeded 25%.
Jun 20, 2010 — News Article: Liberals want further study on foreign ownership by Iain Marlow
Liberal industry critic, Marc Garneau, says the federal Liberals will not support any move to ease foreign ownership restrictions in the telecom sector that might endanger Canadian culture.
Jun 11, 2010 — News Article: New telecom rules a balancing act by Iain Marlow Telecom Reporter
Columnist says a tilt toward favouring new entrants, combined with removing restrictions, could see a foreign firms harm Canadian companies in the $40-billion telecom and broadcasting sector and explains the three options up for debate.
Jun 9, 2010 — News Article: Foreign ownership of telecoms a risk, CRTC says; Regulator warns Canadian content would suffer by Jamie Sturgeon
Columnist says the CRTC is warning Canadians of the need for a "massive subsidization" for Canadian content by the federal government if Ottawa moves to allow foreign ownership of telecom operators.
Jun 8, 2010 — Letter: Public Mobile Inc. v Attorney General of Canada et al
Decision of the Federal Court approving the application of ACTRA, CEP and Friends of Canadian Broadcasting to intervene in proceedings between Public Mobile and the Attorney General of Canada, Globalive Wireless Management Corp., Bell Canada, Rogers Communications Inc., Shaw Communications Inc. and Telus Communications Company.
Jun 7, 2010 — News Article: Canada seeks consultation on media ownership by Etan Vlessing
Columnist says any eventual relaxation of foreign ownership rules for domestic phone companies is expected to impact Canadian cable operators and broadcasters operating under the federal Broadcasting Act as each is Canada sees increasing crossover amid continuing industry convergence.
Jun 7, 2010 — News Article: Telecom industry readies for rules overhaul
Lobbying groups seek potential new ownership rules to be applied to all telecommunications companies, regardless of size.
Jun 4, 2010 — News Article: The Dalton Camp Award
In a radio interview, FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison and 2010 Dalton Camp Award winner Ethan Rabidoux discuss the award and the man who inspired it.
Jun 4, 2010 — News Article: More foreign ownership a "one-sided sell out of Canadian interests"
The president of Canada's largest telecommunications union says that Industry Minister Tony Clement's plans to ease restriction on foreign investment in the Telco sector are a one-sided sell out of Canadian interests.
Jun 4, 2010 — News Article: Tories to launch plans for telecom shakeup by Steven Chase
Columnist says as part of their economic prescription for making Canada more competitive, the Conservatives have demonstrated their determination to overturn existing foreign ownership restrictions, particularly within the telecommunications sector.
Jun 3, 2010 — News Release: 2010 Dalton Camp Award winners announced
Ethan Rabidoux of Stratford, Ontario and Rosalyn Yake of Peterborough, Ontario are the 2010 winners of the Dalton Camp Award.
Jun 2, 2010 — News Article: Media Advisory - Federal court hearing on Globalive foreign ownership
Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP), Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and Friends of Canadian Broadcasting argue before the Federal Court for intervener status in a case that claims the federal government ignored the Canadian ownership requirements of the Telecommunications Act.
Jun 1, 2010 — News Release: Winners of the 2010 Dalton Camp Award to be announced
The winners of the 2010 Dalton Camp Award will be announced Thursday, June 3 at the Musée des beaux-arts in Montreal.
May 13, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa firm on foreign ownership of telecoms
Industry Minister, Tony Clement says The Harper government is committed to preserving Canadian content on television and radio while allowing for a greater foreign presence in the telecommunications sector.
May 13, 2010 — News Article: Clement hints Ottawa driving telecom policy, not CRTC by Iain Marlow
CRTC Chairman says a foreign-ownership cap of 49 per cent should remain in place for both the broadcasting and wireless sectors, and that loosened restrictions should apply even to existing providers.
May 13, 2010 — News Article: Tories play slow-pitch with Clement by Suzan Ayscough
Industry Minister Tony Clement argued on Thursday that broadcasting and telecommunications should remain separate while repeating his argument that competitiveness, by way of foreign investment, "is good for Canadians."
May 7, 2010 — News Article: Mobilicity wireless launch approved by CRTC by Peter Nowak
Columnist says Data and Audio-Visual Enterprises will need to make some changes to ensure that a non-Canadian minority shareholder doesn't undermine the Canadian management team and board of directors.
Apr 19, 2010 — News Article: Foreign media control opposed by most: poll
In a recent poll, per cent of responders agreed that Canadian broadcasting and communication companies are too important for cultural and national security reasons to be sold into foreign control.
Apr 19, 2010 — Opinion Poll: Foreign Ownership of Canadian Broadcasting and Telephone Companies
New Harris/Decima survey says the majority of Canadians agree that it's important the Canadian government work to maintain and build a culture and identity distinct from the United States.
Apr 19, 2010 — News Release: Poll shows wide opposition to foreign ownership of Canadian media
Most Canadians (68%) believe broadcasting and communications are too important to our national security and cultural sovereignty to allow foreign control of Canadian companies in these sectors, according to a new Harris/Decima survey.
Apr 18, 2010 — News Article: CRTC faces a new reality
Columnist says Tony Clement’s notion that Canada can invite foreign investment in one sector (telecom) without it spilling over into another (culture) is either naïve or reckless.
Apr 14, 2010 — News Article: CRTC does the policy time warp again by Robert Silver
Columnist questions CRTC position on foreign ownership and calls for changes to telecommunications legislation.
Apr 13, 2010 — News Article: CRTC wants massive media, telecom rules reform by Jamie Sturgeon
CRTC Chair says his commission's powers are becoming "outdated" and a single "comprehensive" piece of legislation is needed.
Apr 13, 2010 — News Article: Canwest loses $46.1 million
After filing for bankruptcy protection last fall, Canwest reports a loss in revenue during its second quarter.
Apr 12, 2010 — News Article: Harlequin takes full ownership of its German publishing unit by Eric Lam
Torstar subsidiary to take control of its publishing business in Germany.
Apr 8, 2010 — News Article: Coalition Seeks to Overturn Decision to License Globalive by Andrea Hayley
FRIENDS says "the government has done something it doesn't have the right to do" regarding a ruling that allows Globalive a wireless license in Canada.
Apr 1, 2010 — News Release: Harper failed to consider Canadian culture in Globalive decision
ACTRA, CEP and FRIENDS have announced they are seeking intervenor status in an application to the Federal Court for judicial review of the federal government's decision to licence wireless telecom Globalive.
Apr 1, 2010 — News Article: Harper failed to consider Canadian culture in Globalive decision
FRIENDS says several generations of hard work to maintain our cultural sovereignty will go down the drain if foreign ownership rules are gutted.
Apr 1, 2010 — News Article: Unions side with telcos against Globalive by Suzan Ayscough
FRIENDS, ACTRA and CEP are backing Public Mobile in its bid to challenge the federal government's approval of Globalive and its mobile brand Wind.
Apr 1, 2010 — News Article: Unions seek to back review of Globalive licence
ACTRA and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union join FRIENDS in backing a review of Globalive's wireless license.
Mar 30, 2010 — Policy Brief: Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science & Technology
FRIENDS tells parliamentarians that tinkering with foreign ownership rules in one part of the media and communications industry will place other parts, such as broadcasting, at risk.
Mar 30, 2010 — News Article: Opening foreign ownership for integrated telecom sector will impact broadcasting, Morrison tells committee by Jonathan Migneault
FRIENDS says opening up foreign ownership regulation in one sector can be expected to impact others.
Mar 24, 2010 — News Article: CanWest broadcast sale urgent, court told by Dana Flavelle
Canwest is asking courts to speed up the process for dealing with the objections of Goldman Sachs.
Mar 17, 2010 — News Article: Is Wind blowing its first-mover advantage? by Perry Hoffman
Columnist says that recent missteps indicate that months spent on the foreign ownership file may have taken time away from Wind Mobile's launch preparation.
Mar 16, 2010 — News Article: The fight is on for Canadian communications and culture by Fred Wilson
Media union executive says the fate of Canada's broadcasting industry is linked to the decisions being made in telecom and book-selling by the Conservative government.
Mar 15, 2010 — News Article: Foreign ownership rules: The plot thickens by Omar el Akkad and Marina Strauss
Columnists say Ottawa's review of Amazon.com bid to set up shop in Canada is one of several steps that the Harper government is taking to loosen its restrictions on foreign ownership in an array of cultural industries.
Mar 15, 2010 — News Article: Book-sales rules about competition, not culture by Michael Geist
Columnist says greater retail competition for books will increase the availability of Canadian publications.
Mar 15, 2010 — News Article: Failed auction for Globalive cost taxpayers millions by Brent Fullard
Industry analyst says Stephen Harper's decision to overrule the CRTC and allow Globalive to proceed with its wireless service in Canada, cost taxpayers many tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars.
Mar 15, 2010 — News Article: Canada to review foreign ownership limits by Etan Vlessing
A Conservative MP has been tapped to look into Canada's foreign ownership laws as it relates to the Broadcasting Act, the Telecommunications Act, the Radiocommunications Act and "any other legislation deemed appropriate."
Mar 14, 2010 — News Article: Freed by the feds, Telesat begins the hunt for deals by Iain Marlow
The largest satellite company in Canada weighs global acquisitions after the federal government loosens restrictions.
Mar 12, 2010 — News Article: Owning the podium, selling the stadium by Bruce Campbell
The Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says the Harper government is preparing a major sell-off of Canadian interests that will compromise our cultural sovereignty, national identity and national security.
Mar 11, 2010 — News Article: Gambling with Canadian culture by Nicholas Hirst
Columnist asks whether Canadian cultural protection works best without foreign investment or with it.
Mar 10, 2010 — News Article: Goldman Sachs tries to stop Shaw from controlling Canwest by Theresa Tedesco and Jim Middlemiss
The U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs alleges that the Canwest restructuring process has been "corrupted."
Mar 10, 2010 — News Article: Wireless sector at forefront of Tories' deregulation plans by Steven Chase, Jacquie McNish and Omar El Akkad
Industry Minister Tony Clement indicates foreign ownership restrictions likely to be relaxed, but not without public consultations.
Mar 8, 2010 — News Article: Amazon.com seeks Canadian foothold by Etan Vlessing
Efforts to pry open the Canadian media industry to more foreign ownership continue with Amazon.com asking Ottawa for permission to start a new business in Canada.
Mar 8, 2010 — News Article: An open letter from CBA president Stephen Cribar to Heritage Minister James Moore
The President of the Canadian Booksellers Association says if the government allows Amazon.com to open in Canada serious concerns would be raised over the protection of Canada's cultural industries.
Mar 6, 2010 — News Article: Amazon's digital-physical disconnect by Omar el Akkad and Marina Strauss
Internet retailer Amazon.com's efforts to start new Canadian business sparks foreign ownership and cultural questions.
Mar 5, 2010 — News Article: Opening up Canada's telecom market to foreign ownership expected to take time by Luann Lasalle
Big Canadian telecom players say they aren't expecting any quick changes to open up their industry to more foreign competition.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Changes to Canada's foreign ownership rules
In a radio interview, FRIENDS spokesperson, Ian Morrison, discusses how changes to foreign investment rules could impact Canadian broadcasters and the country's cultural sovereignty.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Foreign ownership: Another broken promise of the Conservatives
Canada's largest media union says a Conservative government plan to weaken Canada's foreign ownership regulations in telecommunications constitutes yet another attack on Canada's sovereignty.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa to rewrite telecom rules by Iain Marlow, Bill Curry and Jacquie McNish
Ottawa's proposed liberalization of foreign ownership rules in Canada's telecom sector sets the stage for a wave of mergers and acquisitions that would reshape the industry.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Canadian culture at stake, unions warn by Etan Vlessing
ACTRA national executive director Stephen Waddell says, when it comes to foreign ownership "I don't think you can silo telecommunications away from broadcasting."
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Budget sows confusion over telecom rules by Peter Nowak
The federal budget has confused opposition politicians and industry observers alike as to whether Canada will open its doors to foreign telecommunications companies.
Mar 4, 2010 — News Article: Canada to relax foreign ownership rules by Etan Vlessing
FRIENDS says the sale of telecom companies to foreigners will inevitably lead to cable operators and broadcasters similarly selling out to the highest bidders as they demand equal treatment.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Release: Foreign ownership a threat to Canadian culture
FRIENDS says the Harper government's Throne Speech commitment to open the telecommunications and satellite industries to foreign ownership threatens Canadian culture and tilts the playing field against Canadian broadcasters.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Foreign ownership in Canada's telecommunications sector
FRIENDS warns that generations of hard work to maintain our cultural sovereignty through Canadian ownership and control of broadcasting could be thrown into jeopardy if foreign ownership rules are changed.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Canada focuses on stimulus for now, eyes deficit by Louise Egan
FRIENDS says proposed changes to telecom ownership rules creates a slippery slope that will likely lead to the sale of Canadian broadcasters to foreign companies.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Throne speech signals telecom floodgates to open
FRIENDS says that if foreign owners control telecoms and satellite companies, then cable monopolies will demand equal treatment - broadcasters will follow suit and Canadian content could suffer.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa to open cell phone market to foreign entrants: throne speech by Julian Beltrame
FRIENDS warns changes to the telecommunications industry could be the first step in exposing the country's broadcasters to foreign ownership.
Mar 3, 2010 — News Article: Ottawa to "open doors" on foreign ownership by Etan Vlessing
FRIENDS says changing Canada's foreign ownership rules threatens Canadian culture and could tilt the playing field against domestic broadcasters.
Feb 26, 2010 — News Article: Canada Opposition Seeks Parliament Debate of Telecom Ownership by By Alexandre Deslongchamps
Canada's three opposition parties say foreign-ownership laws in the country's telecommunications industry are unclear and will seek to debate the issue.
Feb 26, 2010 — News Article: Opposition seeks debate on telecom ownership by Alexandre Deslongchamps
Opposition MPs say the government's decision to let Globalive operate in Canada effectively changes the foreign ownership rules in the industry and gives some companies an advantage over others.
Feb 25, 2010 — News Article: Don't hurt our culture, Mr. Harper
Liberal MPs have published an open letter stressing that the foreign ownership rules for broadcasting companies – as stated in the Broadcasting Act – must be preserved.
Feb 19, 2010 — News Article: Asper backs rival bid for CanWest by Andrew Willis and Grant Robertson
Catalyst Capital Group and Goldman Sachs set to tender a bid for Canwest that would see the Asper family play a continuing role in the restructured company.
Feb 15, 2010 — News Article: Shaw, Canwest move to appease Goldman by Janet Whitman
Goldman Sachs lawyers say they are "gravely concerned" that Canwest entered into a deal to be acquired by Shaw without its knowledge.
Feb 4, 2010 — News Article: Tories set to bet on 'free markets' by John Ivison
Government sources say the Speech from the Throne on March 3 will focus on foreign investment rules.
Jan 16, 2010 — News Article: Globalive on hunt for cash to expand Wind Mobile by Iain Marlow
Globalive plans to raise "several hundred million" dollars to finance the expansion of the company's Wind Mobile wireless business across Canada.
Jan 8, 2010 — News Article: Cellphone providers play hardball by Roberto Rocha
Up-and-coming carrier Public Mobile is challanging the government's decision to allow Globalive to operate despite its hefty foreign investment.
Jan 4, 2010 — News Article: Wireless competition behind CRTC overruling by Andrew Mayeda
The Industry Minister says the government's desire to promote more competition in the wireless industry was a key factor in its decision to overrule the CRTC and approve the launch of Globalive.
