[d@DCC] Internet policy mentioned at Conservative policy convention.

From: Russell McOrmond <russell _-at-_ flora.ca>
To: Jaffer.R (at) parl.gc.ca
Cc: General Copyright Discussions <discuss -_at_- list.digital-copyright.ca>
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 21:22:32 -0500 (EST)

   Mr Rahim Jaffer,

   Like many Canadians I am watching the Conservative policy convention 
that brings together a diverse group of people trying to articulate an 
alternative vision.  As a person highly involved in trying to articulate 
an alternative vision on technology policy from what we have seen over the 
past decade, I was happy to hear you mention the Internet in your speech.

   As a fellow businessman and entrepreneur I suspect you are a supporter 
of free markets, innovation and creativity.  You may see the Internet as I 
do: a great opportunity for new market innovators to expand the economy by 
disrupting some of the incumbents who no longer offer us what we need.

   Unfortunately this is not the policy that we see from many governments. 
More than a decade ago the United States launched their National 
Information Infrastructure (NII) under the Clinton administration.  The 
task force that looked at Intellectual Property took the opposite path to 
one that would bring us freedom and prosperity, and invited only those 
representing old-economy, old-media interests.  These interests saw the 
Internet as a disruptive force to the incumbent broadcast industries, and 
looked for ways to set up protectionist policies to shield these 
incumbents from otherwise inevitable changes within a free market.  They 
looked at policies that would oppose development, distribution and 
business model neutrality, instead seeking to do what we know governments 
do poorly: pick business models and methodologies for the private sector.

   These policies not only have harsh economic impacts, but also impacts on 
important freedoms such as freedom of expression, cultural rights, 
creators rights and property rights (of ICT tools).


   Sharing some of the same mistaken beliefs, other governments came 
together in 1996 and signed treaties at WIPO to impose this anti-progress, 
anti-Internet, anti-creativity/innovation agenda on the rest of the world. 
Canada signed this treaty, but has fortunately been delayed in ratifying 
it.  This is now being pushed as a high priority, with the incumbents 
falsely claiming time and time again that "the sky is falling" due to 
lawbreaking such as copyright infringement when in fact their worst 
threats are from competition from new entrepreneurs.

   We know the large size of the high tech sector and the growing new-media 
content sector, and we know the small size of the incumbent content 
industries who are the beneficiaries of these policies.  I believe this is 
a clear case of the tail wagging the dog, and it is about time we put a 
stop to this.

   I recently spoke with Bev Oda, Heritage critic for your party.  While I 
found her to be quite open minded and informed on cultural policy, I was 
not sure if she saw the Internet and disruptive innovation in the 
marketplace the way I do.  I am wondering if you might be the right person 
to meet and work with to help the Conservatives form a strong voice for 
positive change in technology policy.


   I live and work in Ottawa, and can meet with you in your Ottawa office 
at any time.

Thank you.

Russell McOrmond
305 Southcrest Private,
Ottawa, ON
K1V 2B7
Phone: (613) 733-5836


Link/Notes:

Our page for Edmonton-Strathcona, linking to some research I did on the 
technology you use for your website 
http://www.digital-copyright.ca/taxonomy/page/or/279

Summary of my talk with Bev Oda:
http://www.digital-copyright.ca/discuss/4536


   I also wrote to two Conservative candidates who answered our 
questionnaire during the election.  I receive a reply from Mr. Klufas 
indicating a willingness to help, but have been unable to get in touch 
with Mike Murphy.

Mike Murphy
CIPPIC replies: Ottawa Centre Conservative candidate
http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/view/387

Jurij Klufas
CIPPIC replies: Parkdale--High Park Conservative candidate
http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/view/357

-- 
  Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant: <http://www.flora.ca/>
  http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2 (My BLOG)
  Sign the Petition Users' Rights! http://digital-copyright.ca/petition/
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