OTTAWA – The Liberal Party announced its support for the principle of net neutrality in the House of Commons yesterday.
“The Liberal Party supports the principles of net neutrality and an open and competitive Internet environment,” Liberal Industry, Science and Technology Critic Marc Garneau said during yesterday’s Question Period.
Net Neutrality refers to the principle that internet traffic management should not selectively target certain websites, users or legitimate internet applications. Currently, no laws in Canada exist regulating the flow of Internet traffic.
“In a free and open democracy in the 21st century, in an innovative and progressive economy, no tool is more paramount than the Internet,” said Mr. Garneau. “The Internet is the backbone of today’s flow of free ideas.”
Mr. Garneau asked the Conservative government whether they supported net neutrality but Industry Minister Tony Clement refused to answer the question.
“The issue of net neutrality is a global one,” said Mr. Garneau. “Internet management should be neutral and not be permitted for anti-competitive behaviour nor should it target certain websites, users, providers or legitimate software applications. We must protect the openness and freedom of the internet, and maintain competition to spur innovation, improve service levels and reduce costs to users.”
