BANFF 2011: Does foreign ownership mean the end of cultural sovereignty?

BANFF – Would relaxing the rules on foreign investment in Canada around our communications sector help to create competition which in turn, would benefit consumers with lower prices and more choice, or, would it spell the end of our cultural sovereignty?That theme was the focus of a spirited panel debate Tuesday at the Banff World Media Festival appropriately titled ‘Foreign Ownership: The Impact on the Communications Business’.Norm Bolen, president and CEO of the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA), came down hard, and consistently, on the side of preserving Canada’s unique culture at all costs, something that only Canadian ownership can ensure.“We’re...