Media News Post

This video provides a great example of why we need strong, citizen-centric rules to protect cell phone users (including people with disabilities). A lack of choice in the cell phone market is one major reason cell phone companies can get away with tight contracts and disrespectful customer service, and why we need to policies that put users first. Take action here: http://StopTheSqueeze.ca/

The controversial Copyright Modernization Act, Bill C-11, has shot through Parliament—its Introduction and First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, and recently-completed Report Stage all took place in only a few short months. More than once in this process, time allocation motions cut debate short, and only a few amendments were passed. Now, with only the Third Reading and a final House of Commons vote to go, it’s become pretty clear what Canada’s new copyright legislation will look like.

The good news is that together, we were able to stop the worst of what Big Media wanted from Bill C-11. There had been significant concerns that C-11 would give these giant corporations wide-ranging new powers to block online content and cut off accused (i.e. not necessarily convicted) copyright infringers from the Internet altogether. But thanks to the engaged group of pro-Internet Canadians who took action and made their voices heard, those amendments were not included. Read more »

Quickly after anonymous government sources told The Globe and Mail that online spying bill C-30 had quietly died, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews scurried to get in front of reporters to make it clear that, despite massive public pressure, he intends to push through the online spying plan. According to Toews, “Our government has been very clear, that matter will be referred to a Parliamentary committee.”

These conflicting reports suggest the Conservative Government is split on whether the online spying bill should continue on its shaky path toward becoming law. Earlier this year several Conservative MPs took public stands against warrantless access to our private information, which helped stall the legislation. It appears that some members of the Conservative party truly want to do the right thing: to stop this wildly unpopular bill in its tracks. And the Conservative base is certainly against the bill. Read more »

As part of OpenMedia.ca’s commitment to community engagement and ground-level participation in the fight for a more open, affordable Internet, we are pleased to introduce the OpenMedia.ca Street Team program.

The OpenMedia.ca Street Team program will engage the public in issues that will have a massive effect on Canada’s digital future moving forward. If you choose to join us, you’ll be making an important impact by spreading the word about Internet openness and affordability in crucial ridings through local events, local initiatives, and more! Read more »

There are rumours circulating about the government's online spying bill C-30 as of late, but PR aside, the government has NOT pulled the legislation, and it has failed to make any firm commitments to make substantive changes. As it stands, Bill C-30 is still alive in Parliament, including sections that allow a range of "authorities" to access the personal information of any Canadian, at any time, without a warrant.

By speaking through anonymous sources in the Globe and Mail, the government has shown that it is still trying to use PR tactics to avoid honouring our request to formally commit to removing the problematic aspects of this bill—it is warrantless, costly, and will have detrimental effects on Canadians' privacy rights. Read more »

It looks like big telecom company Bell is about to see some punishment for unfair practices around cell phone contracts. Canadians—led by some Ontario lawyers—are launching a $100-million class action lawsuit, arguing that Bell is on the wrong side of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act. This is an important demonstration of Big Telecom's underhandedness, but it won't stop misleading contract and price-gouging on its own. Tell the government to make structural change, and push for more choice in the cell phone market: http://StopTheSqueeze.ca/

Article from Moneyville:

Bell Mobility and its parent company, BCE Inc. have been served with notice of a $100-million class action lawsuit alleging that expiry dates on its pre-paid wireless services are illegal. Read more »