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Carney Government Upends Digital Policies: Lets Stand CRTC's Broadband Decision, Scraps Digital Tax

The new government is shaking up digital policies, from broadband to AI regulation. These shifts could reshape Canada's digital landscape and international trade.

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This is a paper. On this something is written.

Carney Government Upends Digital Policies: Lets Stand CRTC's Broadband Decision, Scraps Digital Tax

In a significant shift, the new government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney has let stand the CRTC's decision on wholesale access to fibre broadband networks. This move signals a departure from the previous government's approach. Additionally, the government has scrapped the digital services tax, another notable change from their predecessor's 'make web giants pay' campaign.

The focus on Canada-U.S. relations during the last election overshadowed digital policies. However, the new government is recalibrating its digital strategies, which could impact the proposed digital trade agreement with the European Union. Evan Solomon, the new AI and Digital Innovation Minister, has pledged to move away from over-regulation of AI, a stance different from the previous EU-style approach.

Bill C-2, the border bill, has sparked concerns about privacy and constitutionality due to its controversial lawful access provisions. Meanwhile, the government's consultation on the proposed digital trade agreement with the EU included unique issues not found in existing digital trade agreements. Under Carney's leadership, signs point to potential revisions in online news and streaming laws, reflecting a broader shift in governmental priorities towards less dependence on the U.S. market.

Prime Minister Carney's government is actively revising telecom, taxation, and AI regulation policies, moving away from the Justin Trudeau approach. The U.S. Congress is increasing pressure to rescind the Online Streaming Act, and Carney has indicated openness to changes in the Online News Act. These shifts suggest a significant realignment of digital policies under the new administration.

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