InterGovWorld's Spotlight series profiles executives, decision-makers and their initiatives across all levels of Canadian government.
In Part 2 of InterGovWorld's Spotlight on Maxime Bernier, the federal Industry Minister talks about nuclear energy and fuel cells, trucking plants and tricky telecom laws. Bernier steps back to assess industry and consumer reaction to his proposed reversal of a controversial CRTC decision; he tells us what he learned from a technology institute; and how he believes an online initiative dubbed BizPaL is helping the growth of Canadian business.
How is this new regulatory framework for the telecom sector more modern, flexible and efficient?
Canada's telecommunications sector is a critical element of the country's productivity and overall economic wellbeing, but in some cases unneeded regulations constrain competition, inhibit economic growth and limit innovation.
With the right framework in place, companies will compete and invest in the telecommunications market, spurring competitive pricing and innovation. It is the innovative products and services developed by the private sector that will drive economic growth. The changes that we are instituting in the telecommunications sector will help to take full advantage of market forces.
Minister Bernier delivers a keynote address
at the 2006 Canadian Telecom Summit in
Toronto. (Photo courtesy of Industry
Canada) Credit: Cliff Spicer
What has been the reaction that Industry Canada has received from both consumers and the telecom industry to this proposal?
Overall interest in the proposed changes [variance of the local forbearance decision, which ended January 15] during the 30-day consultation period has been very high. The number and comprehensive nature of the comments received demonstrate the importance that many Canadians attach to this issue.
Comments were received from individuals, associations and companies involved in the sector. Many of the comments were extremely positive toward deregulation, others suggested changes. Departmental officials and I are now reviewing those submissions. I will be taking into account all comments received before moving on to the next steps in this process.
The Canadian Consumer Initiative (CCI) - a coalition of six major consumer groups - is urging the government to reverse its decision to hasten the deregulation of local telephone service, and argued that you appear to be favouring the interests of the large telecommunication firms over the needs of consumers. What is your response to this?
The interests of consumers are at the heart of the proposed variance of the CRTC local forbearance decision. Consumers want and deserve the most advanced services and they want the benefits that a competitive marketplace provides. As part of our analysis of the public consultations, we will give due consideration to any and all comments from all parties who made submissions through that consultation process.
You recently visited the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) with Oshawa M.P. Colin Carrie. What was the purpose of that visit?
I visited the automotive research and development facilities at UOIT with Dr. Carrie during a visit to Oshawa. I also toured General Motors Canada's truck assembly plant and its Canadian regional engineering centre.
During my visit, I learned about the research activities at the UOIT, and I was very impressed by what I saw. UOIT strives to be fully integrated into its surrounding community. It has strong research links to industry - in the automotive sector with GM, and in nuclear energy with Ontario Power Generation. Its research projects are geared to respond to employer needs and to maximize socio-economic benefits.B
For example, UOIT is conducting innovative fuel-cell research, which could provide cleaner, more efficient energy alternatives to gasoline and other fossil fuels.
The Automotive Centre of Excellence, which is currently being constructed at the UOIT, will serve as the hub for GM's Automotive Innovation Network. This network will bring together universities, auto suppliers, researchers, students and others with the shared objective of accelerating automotive innovation and the commercialization of R&D.
Minister of Industry Maxime Bernier manoeuvres a Mars rover
prototype during a tour of the MacDonald, Dettwiler and
Associates plant in Brampton, Ontario. Photo courtesy of
Industry Canada) Credit: Canadian Space Agency
What improvements is Industry Canada working on to enhance government services to the public, either for citizens or business, through online initiatives?
BizPaL is a good example. It is an online project that benefits Canadian businesses by helping them identify which permits and licences are required and how they can be obtained.
The government requires that all businesses obtain certain permits and licences before they operate or expand their business. In most cases, these permits and licences are issued by two, three and sometimes even four different levels of government.
With BizPaL, entrepreneurs simply answer a series of questions on the type of business they want to start or operate and the activities they plan to undertake. BizPaL then automatically generates a list of all required permits and licences from all levels of government, along with basic information on each, and links to government sites where the entrepreneur can learn more and, in some cases, apply online.
Perhaps what is most impressive about BizPaL is that it is a true multi-tier government partnership, a proven example of how we, as governments, can work together to improve our services for business. Its dedicated team includes Industry Canada, six provincial and territorial governments and some 20 locations across Canada. I see it as a successful model for future collaboration.
Read Part One
To access Spotlight Central, an archive of all past InterGovWorld spotlights, click here.
Related content:
Backgrounder on local forbearance decision
Minister Bernier: Variance of CRTC local forbearance decision
Bernier's troubling stand on 'Net neutrality
Consumer groups oppose Bernier plan to deregulate local telephone service
Poll shows minister's announcement is bad for competition, bad for consumers
Phone giants laud Bernier plan
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