SaveOurNet.ca coalition urges action to save the open Internet in Canada
FRENCH VERSION

NEWS RELEASE
Date: Oct 22, 2009

OTTAWA — The SaveOurNet.ca coalition, a broad alliance of groups
fighting for a free and open Internet, is calling today's CRTC
decision on traffic management (Net Neutrality) a step in the right
direction, but it doesn't go far enough to protect online innovation
and consumer choice.

The CRTC's ruling comes despite broad consensus that meaningful and
enforceable rules are needed to protect the open Internet in Canada.
Both the Liberal and New Democratic Parties have publicly advocated
for Net Neutrality, as have leading businesses and consumers rights
groups. Thousands of Canadians support Net Neutrality and many have
voiced their opinions directly to their Members of Parliament and to
the CRTC itself.

While the CRTC's ruling provides more transparency and sets out a
framework for consumers to use in taking action against Internet
service providers they feel are violating their rights, it does not go
far enough in protecting consumer rights. In order to protect the
Internet's level playing field, either the CRTC or parliament will
need to take a more proactive approach.

The SaveOurNet.ca coalition hopes that leaders within the major
political parties will take this opportunity to move the widely
supported campaign for Net Neutrality forward by introducing
legislation that would ensure Canadians have access to a free and open
Internet. SaveOurNet.ca National Co-odinator Steve Anderson said today
that, "This ruling is a step in the right direction, but there is
certainly more work to be done to ensure Canadians have open access to
all the Internet has to offer."

Ben Lewis of the Canadian Federation of Students stated that, "the
Internet represents an important technology for learning, for
communicating, and for creating, but in order for university and
college students to take advantage of these technologies and further
their studies, Internet service providers should not be allowed to
prioritize the Internet resources to which students have access." The
ability to access and browse the Internet freely, without undue
interference, is critical if Canadians are going to take advantage of
the resources and innovations available online.

Contact:
Steve Anderson, National Coordinator
SaveOurNet.ca
604-837-5730
Steve@democraticmedia.ca

Ben Lewis, Communications Coordinator
Canadian Federation of Students
(416) 925-3825
communications@cfs-fcee.ca