Minister Paradis Addresses Annual Conference of the International Institute of Communications Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 29, 2011) - Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, addressed the Annual Conference of the International Institute of Communications (IIC) Canada, where he spoke of the upcoming spectrum auctions and the review of foreign investment restrictions in telecommunications.

"Our government wants to get the decisions before us right, so that Canadian consumers have access to a wide range of products and services at competitive prices," said Minister Paradis. "Given its importance, and the serious impact this will have on the lives of Canadians for years to come, this is not a decision that I, or this government, will be taking lightly."

The Minister noted the policy objectives that will guide the government's decision making on spectrum allocation, foreign investment rules, tower sharing and roaming, and broadband coverage:

• a robust and competitive wireless telecommunications market;
• world-leading deployment of communications options and broad access for all Canadians; and
• effective and vibrant services at competitive prices.

The Minister also acknowledged the input that he and the government have received from stakeholders on these very important issues.

"My meetings with industry were meaningful, forthcoming and informative, and they added to my knowledge of a sector that will play a vital role in the economic and social future of our country," said Minister Paradis. "As we look over the horizon to the future, it is pretty clear that this spectrum will increasingly be used in new ways, meaning its value will only grow as new forms of technology get out of R&D labs and into the hands of Canadian consumers."

IIC Canada's annual conference provides a forum for Canadian and international business executives, government officials, media and academics to engage on Canadian and international trends in broadcasting, telecommunications and media production.