New trends in the regulation of telecommunications in Canada
As models of communication, connection, and culture, broadcasting and telecommunications play a significant role in the social and economic lives of Canadians. The Government recognized in Budget 2017 that Canada's media industries and the systems that allow for broadcasting, distribution, and exchange of ideas are fundamentally changing and that Canadian legislation has not kept pace. New technologies and business models are introducing disruptive change while simultaneously creating new opportunities. Canada can position itself to maximize the benefits the digital age brings to the citizens, artists and creators, communications industry, and economy as a whole. To ensure Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications are well positioned to meet these and other objectives, the Government of Canada has launched a review of the broadcasting and telecommunications suite of legislation. This review is aimed to examine issues as communications and content creation in the digital age, net neutrality, cultural diversity, and how to strengthen the future of Canadian media and content creation. It is intended to examine the existing legislative framework and tools in the context of the digital age and what changes may be needed to support the Government of Canada in meeting these objectives.