FERGUS – While the federal govrnment hopes to bring fairness, equity and accuracy to the internet, Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong sees its proposed solution as restricting freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of choice for Canadians.
“This could be the single biggest restriction to free expression in Canadian history,” Chong told the Advertiser.
MICHAEL CHONG
He wants like-minded Canadians to sign his petition before any recommendations become law.
“It’s a massive over-reach of government,” Chong said in an interview. “It’s very concerning.”
In June of 2018, a panel was chosen to examine the rules, experience and concerns of Canadians about the Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Acts.
At the end of January the panel released its recommendations, which could become law this spring.
The panel organized its findings into four pillars:
– reducing barriers to advanced telecommunications networks for all Canadians;
– supporting the creation, production and discoverability of Canadian content, which could include fees and regulation for content creators;
– improving the rights of the digital consumer, including affordability, accessibility, social harm and privacy; and
– renewing the institutional framework for the communications sector.
Chong called the findings “very concerning,” and hopes change can be considered before they become law.
“They are advocating for licensing and regulation of all internet content, both professional and amateur. That puts undue restrictions on freedom of speech,” Chong said. “They are recommending that the government should determine what is accurate and trusted news. The government should not decide what sources are accurate, reliable or trusted. They are trying to restrict freedom of the press, and that undermines democracy.”
Chong added, “And when they force companies to prioritize some content over others [i.e. Canadian content], they restrict consumer choice. For the past 10 years there has been an explosion of content on the internet that Canadians really like, and the government wants to reduce that choice.
“People need to be aware.”
It is not known at this time which recommendations will be put in the legislation. Chong said if enough voices are heard, there’s a chance the legislation can be amended before it’s introduced.
Chong’s petition can be accessed at petition.ourcommons.ca and then type Michael Chong’s name in the search box. The e-petition is e-2418 (media and telecommunications).
