Moving toward local distribution network competition in Canada

This paper discusses recent regulatory and legislative changes affecting competition in local network distribution services in Canada. It highlights reliance upon vague or inappropriate criteria such as 'fair' and 'sustainable' competition, as well as the overwhelming importance policy-makers place on cultural nationalism in shaping major recent policy initiatives. The paper argues that the outcome of recent policies will likely be disappointing in terms of stimulating efficient competition and cautions policy-makers elsewhere to resist appeals by interested parties to adopt similar criteria.