SaveOurNet.ca, the group focused on net neutrality, is hosting several town hall meetings across Canada. I will be participating in the June 10th event in Ottawa, but there are additional events planned for Toronto and Vancouver.

Net Neutrality And Creative Freedom (Tim Wu at re:publica 2010) by Anna Lena Schiller (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/7VfazT
Net Neutrality
Angus Introduces Net Neutrality Bill
Charlie Angus, the NDP digital affairs critic, has introduced a net neutrality bill. The private member's bill is C-398. More details to come. Update: Bill now online . Slightly tougher than previous bill as permits throttling to relieve "extraordinary congestion."
CAIP Calls on CRTC To Reverse Bell Throttling Decision
The Canadian Association of Internet Providers has filed an application with the CRTC that calls on the Commission to rescind its November 2008 Bell throttling decision. The application alleges multiple errors of fact and law in the decision and points specifically to the CRTC's lack of a full understanding of the issues raised in the proceeding. CAIP argues that the CRTC specifically launched the larger net neutrality proceeding this summer in order to gain that fuller understanding, but argues that:
A broader proceeding in order to understand the complex issues raised in the CAIP application is a perfectly acceptable and responsible means of developing a thoughtful policy approach and decision on network management. What is entirely unfair and unacceptable, however, is the fact that the Commission rendered Decision 2008-108 without the benefit of a comprehensive understanding of the factual, legal and policy issues at play. In particular, if the Commission did not believe that it had an adequate evidentiary record or did not have a full understanding of the factual and legal issues raised by Bell's throttling of wholesale GAS services to be able to determine in an unqualified and final manner the issues raised in the CAIP proceeding, then it was procedurally unfair for the Commission to have rendered a decision on CAIP's application.
Moreover, CAIP highlights a concern raised by many in the net neutrality world – that the CRTC has already decided many of the bigger issues even before the July hearings begin. CAIP notes that:
U.S. and Europe Talking Tougher on Net Neutrality
Officials in the U.S. and Europe are talking tougher on net neutrality. FTC Chair Jon Leibowitz has said that his Commission may start enforcing net neutrality rules and take action against bad network management practices. Meanwhile, European Commissioner Viviane Reding has told a conference that net neutrality is essential.
CRTC Launches Online Consultation on Net Neutrality
The CRTC has launched an online consultation on net neutrality. Topics include the impact on user experience, innovation, the role of the CRTC, network management, and ISP transparency. Comments posted to the consultation will form part of the public record for the hearing on the issue this summer. Canadians have […]