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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 16

Tuesday, May 11, 2004

The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology met at 11:11 a.m. this day, in Room 308 West Block, the Chair, Brent St. Denis, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Gérard Binet, Hon. Joe Fontana, James Rajotte and Brent St. Denis.

Acting Members present: Christiane Gagnon for Paul Crête.

Other Members present: Carole-Marie Allard.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Lalita Acharya, Analyst ; Sam Banks, Analyst ; Dan Shaw, Analyst.

Witnesses: Coalition for Freedom of Choice in Satellite TV: Giovanni Rapana, Member of the Italian Community and President of the Committee of Italians Living Abroad; Sonia Moujaes, Member of the Lebanese Community; Maria-Terese Calderone, Member of the Venezuelan Community, Responsible for the Development of Terra Terra, Member of the Amis Québec-Vénézuela Association. Fortec Communications Inc.: David McGrath, General Manager. As an Individual: Francisco Salvador, Member of the Portuguese Community.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference of Tuesday, February 17, 2004, the Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-2, An Act to amend the Radiocommunication Act.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

Joe Fontana gave notice of the following motion:

“Task Force on Increased Choice and Diversity

The Committee has determined that a two-phased approach is required to address the black market and the grey market that provides for more enforcement along with more choice for consumers.

Accordingly the Committee recommends that the Ministers of Industry and Canadian Heritage strike a small Review Panel for public consultations to research and provide recommendations on how to increase competition and choice in terms of new services while still supporting the fundamental objectives of the Broadcasting Act.

Recognizing that some Canadians find it necessary to access programming through the grey market the Panel's recommendations should include ways to ensure that more popular foreign and third language services are available within the Canadian broadcasting system.

The Panel should provide a report by the Fall of 2004.”

At 12:35 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Louise M. Thibault
Clerk of the Committee

2004/05/11 3:37 p.m.