Media union calls for clarity in Harper's foreign investment plan

    TORONTO, Sept. 12 /CNW/ - Prime Minister Stephen Harper's plan to
liberalize foreign investment in Canada avoids the question of what a
Conservative government would do about ownership rules in the broadcasting
sector.
    "Citizens should know whether a Harper government would allow foreign
investors to own media companies in this country or not," says Lise Lareau,
president of the Canadian Media Guild.
    Currently, non-Canadians can own a maximum of 33.3% of shares at the
holding company level of telecommunications or broadcasting businesses.
    Harper's plan to open up foreign investment is based on a June report
called "Compete to Win," which was commissioned by his government. The report
recommends that foreign investment restrictions on both broadcasting and
telecommunications be relaxed "following a review of broadcasting and cultural
policies."
    Harper didn't mention the media industry in his campaign announcement
today.
    "Under this government, broadcaster Alliance Atlantis was allowed to be
sold to CanWest Global Communications Corp., with U-S investment bank Goldman
Sachs holding the actual purse strings," adds Lareau. "Does Harper intend to
allow more foreign ownership of the media if he is re-elected? Canadians
deserve a straight answer to this question before October 14."

For further information: Lise Lareau, President, Canadian Media Guild:
[e-mail], cell: [phone], or call 1-800-465-4149