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Canadian Heritage Committee to Conduct CBC Hearings

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage has voted unanimously to conduct hearings on the future of the CBC starting in the new year.  The move comes after the Conservative government shelved a potential review earlier this year.  Interestingly, the  hearings could have an impact on copyright reform since tying up […]

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November 22, 2006 Comments are Disabled News

Newsweek on DRM

Newsweek covers the mounting consumer concerns with DRM and the grassroots anti-DRM campaigns (hat tip – BoingBoing).

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November 22, 2006 1 comment News

City of Ottawa To Offer Rural Broadband Services?

The City of Ottawa has issued an RFP calling for providers to partner to provide "broadband infrastructure and services to Ottawa’s rural communities, similar or superior to services that are currently available in urban areas of the city and at a price that is equitable in comparison to such urban […]

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November 22, 2006 6 comments News

PIPEDA Hearings – Day 01 (Industry Canada)

Given the delay between parliamentary committee hearings and the release of transcripts, several of my research students have graciously agreed to sit in on the hearings and take notes.  Yesterday's hearings featured four representatives from Industry Canada who were asked to provide a "PIPEDA 101" review.  From the notes, it is clear that many committees members expected more, as several requests for recommended amendments were refused with the Industry Canada representatives deferring to the Minister.  While it is not clear that Industry Minister Maxime Bernier expected to appear at these hearings, the Committee Chair indicated that he would be called.

The hearings also provided an update in the Quebec constitutional challenge to PIPEDA.  The most recent development is apparently Quebec's filing of an affidavit in July 2006, so the case is still alive.  Some committee members expressed surprise at the fact that the case has been outstanding for three years.

The key comments and questions, thanks to Natalie Senst, are posted below:

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November 21, 2006 Comments are Disabled News

Page Responds to Oda Communications Director

Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies has responded to Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda's Communication Director Chishom Pothier, who cited a meeting with Page as evidence that the Oda is open to meeting with all stakeholder interests.  Responds Page: We welcomed the opportunity to work with this current government on […]

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November 20, 2006 2 comments News