Recent Articles

What’s the story with the iPod tax?

Russell McOrmond
April 07, 2011 21:36

Watching some election speeches, I continue to see Conservative Party leader Steven Harper talk about the so-called “iPod tax” which he says the opposition parties want and which the Conservatives don’t want. While it is typical of the silliness during campaigns, the reality of this policy is more...

Re: The Digital Canada of Tomorrow.

Russell McOrmond
April 05, 2011 21:23

Re: "The Digital Canada of Tomorrow." Liberal Party's platform, April 3, 2001, pages 18-19. [Originally written for posting to a Telecommunities Canada (TC) discussion list] I’ve seen some reminders in the media these days about emotional elections not being the time for rational discussion of...

Discussing campaign finance and TV debate reform

Russell McOrmond
April 03, 2011 13:38

A Winnipeg Free Press article discusses the race in Saanich--Gulf Islands. Candidates in this district include incumbent Hon. Gary Lunn who was previously Minister of Natural Resources, and leader of the Green Party Elizabeth May. Although May is an opponent of nuclear power, Linda Keen said the...

Visiting the offices of two Ottawa South Candidates: McGuinty and Salibi

Russell McOrmond
April 02, 2011 17:30

I live in the electoral district of Ottawa South. While people have asked me during the election which party to vote for that would best protect their rights in relation to technology law, I don't offer them the answer they want. I say to get involved in the local district, and find out which...

Thoughts on C-32 committee members from the Bloc Québécois

Russell McOrmond
April 02, 2011 14:12

Of the 12 members of the C-32 committee, two of them were from the Bloc Québécois. Carole Lavallée (Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert) and Serge Cardin (Sherbrooke) were there at each meeting, with Guy André (Berthier—Maskinong) being on-hand for one meeting just in case there was a vote (He didn't speak...

Past Heritage Minister James Moore steps out of election to work for Apple

Russell McOrmond
April 01, 2011 12:31

According to CTV news and CBC-Radio Canada, past Heritage Minister James Moore has decided to step out of the election race to work for Apple Computer, inc. While it is not unprecedented for past cabinet ministers to leave politics for jobs in the private sector, of even for nominated candidates...

Peter Braid Tweets on C-32 during #elxn41

Russell McOrmond
April 01, 2011 02:58

In response to a tweet from me asking for comments about C-32 to add to the Kitchener - Waterloo district section of this site, incumbent Conservative candidate Peter Braid wrote: A very strong Bill supporting innovation and IP that has died because of the Opposition Coalition's naked ambition...

Bloc brings in TV actor to battle Mr. Rodriguez for Honore-Mercier

Russell McOrmond
March 29, 2011 17:31

According to CTV, Actor Martin Laroche, star of the French television series "François en series" who has played numerous other film, television and stage roles, was announced as the Bloc's candidate in the riding of Honoré-Mercier. Liberal Pablo Rodriguez (Heritage critic, member of C-32...

Thoughts on C-32 committee members from the NDP

Russell McOrmond
March 26, 2011 18:28

Of the 12 members of the C-32 committee, only one of them was from the NDP (based on the percentage of NDP seats in the house). While Mr. John Rafferty (Thunder Bay—Rainy River, NDP) stood in for Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP) for part of one of the days, it was otherwise Mr. Angus at...

Please talk to candidates, not focus on parties.

Russell McOrmond
March 26, 2011 15:21

As the general election starts, I want to remind people of some advise I gave during the 2008 election. I was often asked which political party I thought was best on technology law issues. My answer always was: It’s the candidates, not the parties. My belief in this is even stronger now that I...