In a setting of continual international talks on trade and investment liberalization, the CEOs and business leaders on the COMPAS panel call for a substantially less dirigiste role for the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission. They want the Commission to focus on protecting media pluralism in local areas with media monopolies and to assure order in the airwaves. They see strong content rules as harmful, not helpful, to Canadian identity, and strong regulation as harmful, not helpful, to economic development.

In the wake of the sale to foreign interests of Fairmont Hotels and other heritage properties, panelists favour allowing foreign investors to acquire majority ownership in telecom carriers and broadcasters, a situation which would favour consumers and investors alike, they believe.

These are the key findings from this past week’s survey of the COMPAS panel of business leaders and CEOs on behalf of The Financial Post under sponsorship of BDO Dunwoody LLP.

View / Download complete poll in PDF