OTTAWA – Don’t expect the government to take the lead or to extend the digital transition deadline beyond August 31, 2011.
That appears to be the message behind a short statement issued by Heritage Minister James Moore on Friday, hours after the CRTC released its guidelines on the process. Referencing his speech at the annual conference of the Canadian Chapter of the International Institute of Communications in December 2008, Moore said that he “expects industry-led solutions that will ensure a smooth transition for consumers”.
"The transition to digital is inevitable”, Moore said in his speech. “The CRTC has set a deadline of August 31, 2011, for Canada to make the transition, which is two years after the US transition. This deadline gives Canadians fair notice and lots of time to react accordingly-and gives you (broadcasters) time to develop your plans. We need solutions that will encourage innovation and new approaches, rather than asking Canadian taxpayers to subsidize existing business models."
Moore also reiterated his pledge to work with the CRTC on the issue over the coming year.
