Minister Paradis Reaffirms Commitment to Canada's Digital Economy

Toronto, Ontario, May 31, 2011 — In his first public address as Minister of Industry, the Honourable Christian Paradis today reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to a digital economy strategy.

"Our government is focused on what matters to Canadians—creating jobs and economic growth," said Minister Paradis. "That is why our government is ensuring Canada has a globally competitive telecom sector that supplies more markets with more innovative and new products and services."

"Our government considers a digital economy strategy to be one of its most important objectives," said Minister Paradis. "One of my first priorities is to sustain the momentum we have achieved to date."

Minister Paradis also confirmed that the government will move forward with modernizing Canada's copyright laws. "I can confirm that our government will reintroduce and pass the Copyright Modernization Act, a key pillar in our commitment to make Canada a leader in the global digital economy."

Speaking at the 2011 Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto, Minister Paradis underscored the importance of information and communications technologies (ICT) to Canada's economic growth and global competitiveness and acknowledged the private sector's essential role.

"For the past five years, we have created an environment in which the digital economy and telecom industry has grown," said Minister Paradis. "Our government is committed to the digital economy because we know the benefits it can bring to Canadian families and consumers."

Through Prime Minister Harper's low-tax plan to protect and create jobs and open new markets for families and businesses, the government will continue to ensure that Canadian businesses and workers can compete with the best in the world.

"Our government will stay the course with our prudent, low-tax plan to protect the economy and create jobs and continue to focus on strengthening and growing Canada's telecommunications industry," concluded Minister Paradis.

For more information on Canada's digital economy strategy, please visit www.digitaleconomy.gc.ca.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Pascale Boulay
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502