Archive for June 12th, 2009

Setting the Record Straight On the ECPA (C-27)

The Industry Committee held two days of hearings on C-27, the Electronic Commerce Protection Act, this week with Industry Minister Tony Clement appearing on Tuesday and my appearance (together with CAUCE executives) on Thursday.  The line of questioning on both days was very similar and it is clear that some groups are seeking to sow seeds of doubt about the legislation.  I tried to address some of the misconceptions and inaccuracies during my appearance, but it is worth taking these claims head on (I will update as needed):


Read more ›

June 12, 2009 17 comments News

House of Commons Committee Releases Privacy Act Study

The Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics has released its study on Privacy Act reform.  The Committee only accepted a handful of the "quick fix" recommendations from the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. The NDP supported them all.  I appeared before the committee as part of the study […]

Read more ›

June 12, 2009 Comments are Disabled News

Obama Administration Confirms ACTA Support

The Obama Administration has confirmed its support for continuing the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement negotiations.  The next round of talks are set for July in Morocco.  The U.S. hopes to conclude the deal by 2010.

Read more ›

June 12, 2009 Comments are Disabled News

Debating C-27: My Appearance Before the Industry Committee

Yesterday I appeared before the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology to discuss Bill C-27, the Electronic Commerce Protection Act.  The Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc have also demonstrated strong support for the bill.  The Liberals have been cautious, indicating that they support the principle but expressing "significant concerns" about specific provisions.  My opening tried to address some of those concerns and the dialogue that followed led to a lively debate.  My opening statement is posted below.  Audio of the hearing available here (the transcript is not yet online).

Read more ›

June 12, 2009 2 comments Committees, News

Bell Calls for “Spectrum Fee Holiday”

The Toronto Star reports that Bell has written to Industry Canada asking for a "spectrum fee holiday" that would suspend the millions of dollars the company pays in licensing fees for wireless spectrum.  Bell said it was "too early to say what impact a change in government policy would have […]

Read more ›

June 12, 2009 4 comments News