A Made-In-Canada Digital Strategy

Originally published in National Post, Monday, March 30, 2009.

The recent announcement by federal Heritage Minister James Moore of the creation of the Canada Media Fund (CMF) is a welcome sign that the federal government recognizes the need to address the protection of Canadian culture in the Internet age. But much more will be required if Canada is to hold its ground as a leading player in the coming years. We need a comprehensive strategy to enhance Canadian competitiveness in the digital economy, a strategy that includes but extends beyond a consideration of the role the federal government might play in promoting Canadian culture.

The CMF is a step in the right direction. By combining the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund into one agency and giving that agency a mandate to ensure that quality content is made available on multiple platforms, the government is acknowledging the need to ensure that Canadians can find compelling Canadian