►HOUSE OF COMMONS
Industry: Four opposition members have requested a meeting to discuss a study of federal telecom policy and the rules surrounding the upcoming wireless spectrum auction. The meeting is in camera.
Chris Charlton, the NDP's new industry critic, plans to table the following motion:
That the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology immediately commence a study on Industry Canada’s upcoming auction of the 700 MHz aspect of the radio spectrum, specifically examining the policy and licensing framework being used by the government, its impact on access to wireless services for all Canadians, the prices Canadians will pay for those services, Canadian jobs, and the privacy of Canadians; and that for this study the Minister, officials as well as industry, labour and consumer stakeholders be called as witnesses, and that the study be completed for September 13th, 2013.
Despite the looming prorogation on Parliament, the four MPs sought the meeting since: "There have already been large-scale efforts by interested parties to influence public opinion and the direction of government policy in this area. The debate is already well underway."
The Conservative party has created an online "Consumers First" campaign in response to public lobbying by Canada's major telecom firms. At issue is the ability of foreign companies to participate in the auction.
Sept. 17 is the deadline for bidders to register for the auction. Bidding is due to begin in mid-January.
Four members of a standing committee can force a meeting via written request to the clerk, according to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons.
-Andrew Thomson
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