Source : Vancouver Sun

by Alex Strachan

The World Trade Organization has an unlikely ally in the lobby group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting – but only to a point.

Arguing against the free flow of trade in the world is akin to arguing against prosperity, jobs and the creation of wealth, Friends spokesman Ian Morrison said in an interview from Toronto.  "Friends has no problem with liberalized and streamlined trade agreements per se," Morrison said.  "As to who represents Canada in world forums, it's for the elected government to decide, not some dissatisfied citizens' groups."

However, Morrison added, the Friends' own public-opinion polls show 80 per cent of Canadians care passionately about preserving the country's voice through its television programs, films and radio broadcasts.

"We work at home to keep our government honest on this front," Morrison said. "It's in the Americans' interest to press for improved access to other markets for their audio-visual products, which have now surpassed aerospace as their biggest export.

"They think that if they can't break Canada open, what chance do they have anywhere else?  But our country is not alone in insisting that, as we integrate more fully into the world economy, we have to work harder to enhance our cultural sovereignty.  That's always been the Friends' position, and it animates all our work.  We didn't march in Seattle.  We're working on the home front."

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