OTTAWA – Since we’ve reported on the broadcasting and telecommunications proposals of the Liberals, NDP and the Greens, we’re taking a look at the Bloc Quebecois platform. The Conservatives have yet to release their platform.
While the last three we mention will not form the government, they could, however, be asked to support a minority government. The price of that support could be found here. The separatist Bloc, according to news reports, is gaining ground in pre-election polls in Quebec.
QRTC
The main proposal of the Bloc is one we have seen before in the form of a Private Member’s bill they had tabled about 10 years ago. Under that proposal, there would be an administrative agreement between Québec and Ottawa allowing the province to administer the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors within its borders.
This scheme would also require amendments to the Broadcasting, Telecommunications and CRTC Acts to transfer to the QRTC (Quebec’s Radio television and Telecommunications Commission) the powers to regulate those sectors in Québec. The Liberal government of Québec had asked something similar, back in 2008.
The Bloc does not propose any change to the CBC’s regulatory scheme.
The purpose would be to counter, among other things, the CRTC’S decision not to regulate the internet and to also have new powers to act in areas of great importance for Québec’s cultural development.
“I personally promise to the cultural sector of Québec to become its best ally in Ottawa,” said Yves-François Blanchet, leader or the Bloc Québécois. “As past president of the ADISQ, (the Association representing the members of the music industry in Québec), the promotion of our culture the survival of our media and fair income for our creators are subject that are close to my heart,” he added.
Netflix tax
Digital players should collect and remit sales tax (like they do in the province of Québec), stop benefiting from tax exemptions when Canadians advertise with them, and contribute to the creation of Québécois content, especially in drama and support for media.
Future of media
The Bloc would hold a Summit on the Future of the media to find solutions for the survival of the press, especially in the regions, and for TV and radio broadcasters.
