Introduction
In its 2010 Budget delivered Thursday, March 4, Stephen
Harper's Conservative government announced that it will remove
the restrictions on foreign ownership of Canadian satellites. The
Speech from the Throne, delivered the previous day, had held out
the possibility of loosening the restrictions on foreign investment
in telecommunications companies more generally, and it remains
likely that this government will try to take broader steps in this
regard. For the time being, however, the Government is likely
playing it safe by addressing a relatively small and
uncontroversial segment of the market.
The Speech from the Throne
"Our Government will open Canada's doors further to
venture capital and to foreign investment in key sectors, including
the satellite and telecommunications industries, giving Canadian
firms access to the funds and expertise they need."
