"This should scare you" -- Ontario Privacy Commissioner

in
November 29, 2011

According to some sources "Lawful Access" legislation could be introduced before Christmas. On the basis of previous versions of this legislation, privacy commissioners in Canada are expressing grave concerns about its possible contents.

(Un) lawful access legislation pending

in
November 16, 2011

There are serious threats to privacy, free speech and civil liberties contained in the impending lawful access legislation . Advocates are keeping a close eye on the status of the bill -- which could be introduced any time.  Meanwhile there are various activities underway that give Canadians a chance to register their opposition to this legislation:

Resources that explain what is at stake in this invasive and costly bill:

CIRA election results

October 12, 2011

In October 2011, I was a candidate for a seat on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).   See my election statement here.  I'd like to thank all the .ca domain name holders who supported my candidacy.  Although I placed 4th (one vote off tying for 3rd), I feel it was a win for a candidate coming from a community networking background.  CIRA has indicated that it has the issue of digital literacy firmly in its sites.  I think the community has indicated that it is ready to be at the table. 

Digital literacy documentary -- available on-line

in
September 14, 2011
Through stories from nine community access (C@P) sites in the Halifax region, this documentary explores digital divides and the value and ever-changing potential of community access to the Internet and information technology.

Filmed on location in Nova Scotia in Halifax, Moser River, Terence Bay, Sheet Harbour, Jeddore, Tantallon, and Lake Echo.

Alternative Federal Budget 2011 - Communications (in brief)

in
March 16, 2011

Recognizing “effective” connectivity as an essential service
To return Canada to a leadership role in the availability and use of new communications technologies, “effective” broadband, supporting a wide range of communications applications, must become a vital part of federal policy and programs.

The AFB believes that access to 1.5 Mbps. broadband should became part of the "basic service" definition for telecommunications providers in Canada.

Developing a national broadband plan

700 MHz Spectrum: Maintaining a Dividend for the Canadian Public

in
March 1, 2011

A submission in response to: Consultation on a Policy and Technical Framework for the700 MHz Band and Aspects Related to Commercial Mobile Spectrum  (Prepared by Marita Moll for Telecommunities Canada )

Executive Summary:
Telecommunities Canada offers the following recommendations to this consultation:

That all proceeds generated by the auction be used to support broadband initiatives that would bring Canada’s communications infrastructure back up to world class standards, as well as support digital content creation and digital skills programs

That a portion of the proceeds of the auction be used to establish digital skills training centres within reach of all Canadians.

Cyber security and critical energy infrastructure

in
January 16, 2011

A new report by Angela Gendron, senior fellow at the Canadian Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies,  notes that private ownership of telecommunications, the fact that much of our national energy infrastructure is dependant on information and communications technologies and the responsibility of governments to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks is raising new problems in national security management. 

Trading Sovereignty for Surveillance in the Telecommunications Sector

in
January 10, 2011

In June 2010, the government released a consultation paper which asked Canadians to comment on the possible impacts of increased foreign direct investment in the Canadian telecommunications sector. [2] While the paper clearly promoted potential economic benefits, the potential risks, which would not be confined to economic impacts, were absent from the analysis. This article briefly looks at the issue of increased foreign ownership on the telecommunications sector from the perspective of national sovereignty and security.

Security threats move online

Telecom strategic to sovereignty and national security

in
July 31, 2010

Submission to the Federal Consultation on Options for Foreign Investment Restrictions in the Telecommunications Sector

Summary: The area of sovereignty and national security needs to be addressed well before any attempt is made to change those sections of the Telecommunications Act which protect Canadian ownership of telecommunications interests. There are many models of telecommunications ownership which should be considered beyond the three offered in the consultation paper.

Op-ed: Government consultation more imagined than real

in
July 26, 2010

by Marita Moll

For some time, Canadians from all sectors have been concerned about the lack of a national digital strategy. Numerous international studies have shown that our digital infrastructure and policy environment is lagging behind that of other developed nations. This stalls our economy and negatively affects productivity. Finally, on May 10, Canadians were invited to participate in a six week online consultation. Through a special website, participants could post ideas and position papers and/or vote for ideas they supported – creating a bit of competitive energy among a somewhat limited audience already comfortable with this kind of process.

Syndicate content