CRTC should regulate foreign digital services, news sites: BTLR

The blue-ribbon panel tasked with modernizing Canada’s communications legislation is calling for “fundamental changes” to how the CRTC operates, including giving the regulator jurisdiction over online news and rules requiring large foreign digital audio and video platforms to contribute to and promote Canadian content. The long-awaited, 200-page report from the broadcasting and telecommunications legislative review …

‘Clock ticking’ on new content rules for web giants, Guilbeault says

The Liberal government’s minority mandate means it will have to move fast on its promised new rules for Canadian content on foreign digital platforms, Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault says.  “We’re in a minority government and we have to do in months what we probably would have done in years in another context,” he said in …

CIPPIC training AI to highlight patterns in regulatory, court docs

The Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) is teaming up with an artificial intelligence platform that it hopes will produce insights, which would otherwise be missed, from a trove of telecom- and broadcast-related documents.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the …

BTLR chair twice as busy as expected

The work of the chairwoman heading the review of the broadcasting and telecom acts turned out to be more time-consuming and complicated than the government initially planned for, according to a memo obtained through Access to Information.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all …

Ordering pirate site blocking would ‘leapfrog’ BTLR: TekSavvy lawyer

OTTAWA — On the second and final day of a potentially precedent-setting court hearing on site-blocking, a Federal Court judge gave the parties until Wednesday to negotiate a revised draft site blocking motion.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

BTLR panel timetable ‘unaffected’ by member exit

Despite being “saddened” by the exit of one of its members, the panel reviewing Canada’s communications laws said it was forging ahead with its final recommendations, due in January 2020. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Rodriguez promises CanCon rules for ‘web giants’

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said in a social media post Wednesday that the Liberal government plans to force large online services to make and promote Canadian content on their platforms. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Few surprises in BTLR ‘what we heard’ report

The blue ribbon panel in charge of reviewing Canada’s communications legislation has released its interim report, which — as expected — offers no indication of what policy positions the seven members might take in their final recommendations. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all …

Don’t expect recommendations in June BTLR report: Yale

TORONTO — The interim report due at the end of this month from the expert panel in charge of reviewing Canada’s communications laws will only summarize the input the members have received so far, chairwoman Janet Yale said at a telecom industry conference. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in …

Corus asked BTLR to immediately change foreign ownership rules

Corus Entertainment Inc., the only major Canadian broadcaster refusing to make public its submission to the ongoing review of Canada’s communications laws, asked the government to move quickly to loosen restrictions on foreign ownership of broadcast assets. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian …

Calgary recommends national digital strategy addressing 5G deployment

The City of Calgary says the government should develop a “modernized” national digital strategy that addresses open access infrastructure policies, municipal rights-of-way, smart city urban design and new 5G funding structures that could “address gaps and deficiencies during roll out.” This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot …

BTLR commissioned research on passive infrastructure, video games

The panel in charge of reviewing Canada’s communications laws has hired consultants to produce research papers on six topics, most of which have an international focus, according to a document obtained by The Wire Report through an Access to Information request. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

CanWISP asks BTLR for help solving disagreements with incumbents

There should be a mechanism in place to help resolve disputes between small ISPs and incumbents, an organization representing wireless internet service providers told the panel in charge of reviewing Canada’s broadcasting and telecommunications legislation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian …

Small players out-flanked at ‘policy-shaping,’ BCBA tells panel

The British Columbia Broadband Association (BCBA) says a new legal framework for the telecom sector should simplify regulations and facilitate more regulatory participation by small operators. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take …

Content exporters ask consulting panel for CMF envelope they can access, match

A trade association for Canadian-based television and content distribution companies is seeking new federal incentives it says would lead to increasing up-front distributor investments into Canadian productions and boosting exports. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

CWTA tells panel review MVNOs would hurt investment, rural access

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) took aim at mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in its submission to the ongoing review of Canada’s communications legislation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a …

Few internet giants weighed in to BTLR, submission list shows

The panel in charge of reviewing the broadcasting and telecom acts received comments from a number of non-industry parties, such as provincial governments and police services, while some of the biggest online companies in the world, including Amazon.com Inc., did not submit comments, according to newly-disclosed government documents. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already …

Accessibility groups ask BTLR for legislative changes, new advisory office

Canada’s broadcasting and telecommunications legislation should be amended to include a number of references to accessibility for Canadians with disabilities, according to the CNIB Foundation, while the Canadian Council of the Blind is calling for the creation of a new advisor position to work with industry. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a …

Telecom act should equalize prices across Canada: NWT gov’t

The government of Northwest Territories says the Telecommunications Act should aim to ensure telecom services of the same quality and at the same prices are available across the country. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

Shaw Rocket Fund wants CBC to broaden children’s programming

The Shaw Rocket Fund wants CBC/Radio-Canada to expand its focus on children’s content to reflect a broader age range and is asking for new communications legislation to ensure it has the funding required to make that happen. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all …

Distributors ask for Canadian film exhibition quotas on broadcast, OTT

Both over-the-top services and broadcasters should be required to show a certain amount of Canadian feature films, the Canadian Association of Film Distributors and Exporters is asking the panel reviewing Canada’s communications legislation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Online discoverability a challenge for books, magazines, BTLR hears

Organizations representing Canadian publishers are flagging the difficulty of identifying Canadian content online to the panel in charge of reviewing the broadcasting and telecom acts. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a …

Flaws in rural broadband funding hot topic in telecom law review

Rural broadband funding programs in Canada suffer from “significant” design flaws that have in some cases put investments by small providers on hold, a regional broadband group is warning — one of a number of submissions to the ongoing review of Canada’s communications laws raising concerns with program structure. This content is available to wirereport.ca …

Double CBC funding, CMG tells communications review

The real value of the funding CBC/Radio-Canada receives has slipped significantly due to inflation, the Canadian Media Guild (CMG) said in its submission to the federal government’s expert panel review of communications legislation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital …

CACTUS asks BTLR for $150M community TV framework

A group representing the Canadian community TV sector is asking the panel reviewing the broadcasting and telecom acts to beef up focus on community TV at the CRTC and Canadian Heritage and create a new secretariat and ombudsperson’s office, along with a new funding framework for the sector. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a …

Press council warns BTLR of ‘gap’ in complaints process for broadcasters

The National NewsMedia Council wrote to the expert panel reviewing Canada’s broadcasting laws to express concern about a “gap in the current public complaints framework vis-à-vis traditional broadcasting news organizations” when it comes to complaints about online broadcast content. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? …

Lack of clear CRTC industry data is an obstacle: small ISPs

TekSavvy Solutions Inc. has filed a complaint with the CRTC flagging a concern that the regulator’s latest data report doesn’t provide a clear picture of the industry, which could make it more difficult for ISPs to present accurate info in future proceedings and to the panel reviewing Canada’s communications laws, according to companies and an …

ITPA pitches ‘sustainability component’ for rural broadband programs

The government should create a “sustainability component” to rural broadband funding projects so they don’t dwindle in quality or eventually fail, according to an association representing independent rural incumbent local telephone businesses. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Language representation at CRTC raised to Yale panel

Better representation at the CRTC of official language minority communities is a concern a number of francophone groups have raised to the panel reviewing Canada’s communications framework. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. …

Don’t exclude online services from Broadcasting Act: Private radio

Canada’s private radio broadcasters are fighting against a push to keep online services out of Canada’s broadcast laws, according to a submission sent to the Liberal government’s expert panel review of the future of Canada’s communications laws. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all …

Public music should feature Canadian content, Stingray says

Music in public establishments such as malls, bars and restaurants should be required to include Canadian content, resulting in additional revenue for homegrown artists, Stingray Group Inc. is suggesting. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

Bell’s panel submission calls for CMF to get 20% of foreign OTT revenues

BCE Inc. wants to inject the Canada Media Fund (CMF) with a potentially significant influx of cash by forcing foreign over-the-top (OTT) services to fork over 20 per cent of their Canadian revenues to the non-profit every year. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

Gaming companies bristle after review panel suggests they’re broadcasters

A meeting with individuals leading the federal government’s review of communications legislation caught the video game industry off-guard, when the panel members’ questions suggested the gaming industry could be brought into the broadcasting system. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, …

New Broadcast Act should ‘unambiguously exclude’ OTT: Netflix

Netflix Inc. is defending against calls to rope foreign over-the-top players into Canada’s broadcasting framework — which could require the company to abide by CanCon quotas, fund Canadian programming through CMF contributions or artificially weigh their algorithms to make Canadian programming more prominent. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here …

Might be ‘late’ for regional wireless competitors: Cogeco

Cogeco Inc.  is raising caution about the negative impact the government’s existing auction formats could have on regional wireless players after it backed out of a significant 600 MHz spectrum auction it said focused on locations too large for it to compete. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

Shaw calls for removal of 5% BDU content contribution

Shaw Communications Inc. is asking the government to drop the five per cent revenue contribution TV service providers make to Canadian content, but says if CanCon needs a subsidy then it should be a direct one from government coffers.   This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot …

Be ‘wary’ of regulating online speech: Facebook

While online misinformation needs to be taken seriously, that doesn’t mean the government should begin regulating speech online, Facebook Inc. is telling the panel leading the government’s review of the broadcasting and telecom acts. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, …

Preventing LGBTQ content discrimination raised in BTLR consults

The CEO of an independent specialty TV channel is raising concerns that a lack of regulation could let foreign-based digital companies operating in Canada de-monetize or discriminate against types of Canadian content based on cultural values, such as works made by the LGBTQ community. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign …

FRPC wants CanCon visibility on search engines

As a rule, when Canadians search keywords on the internet, they should be presented with Canadian content related to those searches, argues the Forum for Research and Policy in Communications. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Groups diverge on handling of net neutrality in comms laws

Canada’s current laws implicitly protecting net neutrality are sufficient enough not to warrant its explicit enshrinement in the legislation, some groups are arguing. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

Fast-track OTT review, clock ticking on CMF ‘top-up’: CMPA

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) wants the government to immediately launch a review of the CRTC’s enforcement powers when it comes to regulating over-the-top (OTT) streaming services like Netflix Inc., according to its submission to a government-appointed blue-ribbon panel reviewing Canada’s communications laws. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign …

‘Many’ ISPs could shut down due to wholesale regime: CNOC

Small, wholesale-based internet service providers could be forced out of business within the next few years due to the CRTC’s disaggregated wholesale regime, the Canadian Network Operators’ Consortium (CNOC) is telling the panel in charge of reviewing Canada’s broadcasting and telecom laws. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here …

Big telecoms fight calls for an ‘ISP tax’, pitch new OTT rules

Some of Canada’s biggest telecom companies rejected calls to force ISPs to contribute to Canadian programming in their submissions to the Liberal government’s panel reviewing the country’s communications laws, warning it would make internet access more expensive for Canadians. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? …

Platforms could pull out of Canadian market if regulated: Google

Alphabet Inc.’s Google already contributes to the Canadian creative system by providing the infrastructure for users to upload and share their content and enabling them to earn revenue from it, the company is telling the federal review of Canada’s communications legislation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

Utilities, cities clash with telecoms over infrastructure jurisdiction

Electrical utilities and municipalities have arched their backs over various proposals to streamline or adjust regulatory jurisdiction when it comes to resolving disputes over use of “passive infrastructure” in Canada. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

CBC calls for site-blocking provisions for ‘manipulated content’

CBC/Radio-Canada wants the federal government to grant the CRTC the ability to issue orders requiring ISPs to block websites sharing “manipulated content, including news,” as well as pirated content. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

CRTC asks Ottawa for single regulator on passive infrastructure

The CRTC is formally asking the federal government to make one regulatory body the ultimate decider on disputes over access to infrastructure like utility poles and water towers, expressing worries that overlapping jurisdictions and a “growing resistance” from communities who think certain installations are a blight could lead to delays in telecom build-outs. This content …

Top telecom and media stories to watch for in 2019

As the new year begins, the months ahead promise a new spectrum auction, new CRTC announcements on high-profile files like telecom sales practices, and even potentially a new federal government — to be determined in an election in which the danger of hacking and social media manipulation will itself be a key story. This content …

Former CRTC commissioners criticize Harnessing Change report

TORONTO —  The idea of cross-subsidization of industries did not find many open arms on the final day of the ISP Summit on Wednesday, as former CRTC commissioners spoke in favour of maintaining the line between the role of broadcasting and telecommunications. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here …

Comms law review panel extends comment period

The comment period for the government-appointed, blue-ribbon panel that’s reviewing Canada’s communications laws is being extended into next year. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to The …

Comms acts review panel urges ‘practical’ submissions

OTTAWA — Members of the panel tasked with providing recommendations to bring Canada’s communications laws into the digital era are urging public submissions be “concrete” and “practical” to hasten the resulting report’s ability to pass government scrutiny.   This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

Yale responds to criticism about review panel consumer reps

OTTAWA – Conservative senators doubled-down on a previously-raised concern with the makeup of the Liberal government’s expert panel reviewing Canada’s communications laws, telling panel members testifying before the Senate’s transport and communications committee Wednesday that it lacked pro-consumer voices. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? …

Rogers’ network ‘our contribution’ to content ecosystem: VP

OTTAWA — The billions of dollars Rogers Communications Inc. says it’s plowing into developing networks of the future are its contribution to the country’s struggling Canadian content system, the company’s vice-president of regulatory affairs said Wednesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the …

CRTC needs clarity over who can resolve 5G rollout disputes: Scott

OTTAWA — The head of Canada’s telecom regulator says clarity on where it stands when it comes to resolving disagreements over the rollout of 5G infrastructure is one question the Senate should consider in its review of Canada’s communications laws. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot …

Ensure ISPs don’t have to contribute money to CanCon: CCSA

The Canadian Communications Systems Alliance (CCSA) is asking the Senate transport and communications committee to consider precluding in law a requirement for internet service providers (ISPs) to contribute money to Canadian content, its CEO said Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the …

Combine Heritage and ISED, move spectrum to CRTC: professor

The government should combine the Heritage and Innovation ministries, and give responsibility for spectrum to the CRTC, a Senate committee study into the modernization of Canada’s communications legislation heard Wednesday evening. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital …

OPC asks for more flexibility on info sharing with CRTC

OTTAWA — Canada’s federal privacy watchdog asked a Senate committee Tuesday to increase his office’s information sharing abilities with the CRTC and Competition Bureau when consumer protection and privacy issues intersect. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Senators criticize makeup of comms acts review expert panel

OTTAWA — Two senators on the Senate transport and communications committee raised concerns to federal bureaucrats testifying Wednesday night that the Liberal government’s expert panel tapped to review the country’s communications laws isn’t diverse enough in its makeup. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

‘Narrow window’ to make new comms laws with USMCA: Nordicity

OTTAWA — There is an “urgent need” for Canadian lawmakers to set out a new communications framework now that Canada has hammered out a new trilateral agreement on trade to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) so that Canadian industry isn’t put at a disadvantage, according to a Canadian telecom consultant. This content …

As CRTC rejects FairPlay, proposal could move to legislative reviews

The CRTC has no jurisdiction to implement a system to block websites allegedly engaging in piracy, it said in a highly-anticipated decision Tuesday, cracking open another debate as to whether the federal government will consider doing so flush in the middle of its reviews of related legislation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already …

Broadcast, telecom acts review panel kicks off consultation

OTTAWA — The expert panel in charge of reviewing Canada’s communications legislation launched its consultation process Tuesday, on the same day a former CRTC chairman urged a Senate committee to adopt an “internet-centric” approach and completely separate telecom and broadcasting laws and regulators. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in …

Senators asked to champion net neutrality in comms laws review

OTTAWA — Lawmakers need to make net neutrality a major priority and imprint the principle into any new communications legislation, University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist and Carleton University communication studies professor Dwayne Winseck told Senators Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

CMPA to tour country ahead of broadcast, telecom acts review

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) has launched a Canada-wide tour to hear what its members have to say about the legislative review of the Broadcasting Act and Telecommunications Act. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Joly out at Heritage as Pablo Rodriguez named new minister

Former chief government whip Pablo Rodriguez is the new heritage minister, replacing the embattled Mélanie Joly, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled his cabinet on Wednesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take …

Broadcast, telecom act review panel plans ‘outreach’ in Sept.

The panel appointed to lead the review of the Broadcasting Act and Telecommunications Act has met for the first time this week, and will continue to meet regularly over the summer, the federal government said in a press release Thursday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot …

Experts to ‘find solutions’ in broadcast, telecom review: Joly

OTTAWA — The expert panel appointed by the federal government to spearhead its review of the Telecommunications Act and Broadcasting Act will have to figure out how to ensure all companies “pay their fair share” without increasing any costs for Canadians, Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly said Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a …

CRTC calls for ISPs to pay for CanCon, ‘equitable’ OTT contributions

GATINEAU — The CRTC is recommending the government undertake a bevy of changes to the Canadian content system, including a new approach to funding content that would include contributions from telecom service providers and see online services make “equitable” contributions. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot …

Government needs to move quicker, do more on telecom issues: panel

TORONTO — The federal government and the CRTC must pick up the pace and do more on critical telecom issues in order to make a much-needed impact when it comes to pricing and competition, a panel of regulatory experts relayed on the final day of the ISP Summit. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers …

Creative Canada ‘cultural policy, not tax policy’: Joly

OTTAWA — Opposition MPs continued their criticism of Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly’s cultural strategy during Joly’s appearance at the House standing committee on Canadian Heritage late Thursday afternoon, including questioning the minister about imposing sales tax on foreign digital platforms and CanCon contributions on internet service providers (ISPs). This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers …

Future reviews to determine much of DigiCanCon strategy: experts

OTTAWA — While the response to the long-awaited results of Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly’s Canadian content consultation included praise for some elements — such as a $500 million deal for Netflix Inc. to spend on content in Canada — many also pointed out that it’s a strategy that pushes off any substantive legislative and regulatory changes. This content …

Mixed reaction to budget viewed as long on potential, short on details

For all the focus on the digital economy, there was little in Wednesday’s budget for digital content creators, broadband infrastructure enthusiasts or fans of long-term planning, according to consultants and advocacy groups.

“There’s a lot of potential there. But what is lacking right now is the policy and funding framework in the longer term,” Stuart Jack, a partner at Nordicity’s Ottawa office, said in phone interview.