The door is now open to increased foreign ownership in the $30 billion satellite and telecommunications sector, the government said Wednesday in its Speech from the Throne.

In the speech, delivered in the Senate by Governor General Michaëlle Jean, the government stated that it would "open Canada's doors further to venture capital and to foreign investment in key sectors, including the satellite and telecommunications industries, giving Canadian firms access to the funds and expertise they need."

There were also promises of a digital economy strategy, though the true nature of such a strategy remains vague.

The opposition parties have called for a debate on telecom ownership rules, and a panel recommended in June, 2008, that foreign ownership rules be liberalized. It seems now that opening telecommunications will be part of a broader push to allow more foreign investment in Canada.

“Our government will open Canada's doors further to venture capital and to foreign investment in key sectors, including the satellite and telecommunications industries, giving Canadian firms access to the funds and expertise they need,” says a transcript of the speech.

“While safeguarding national security, our government will ensure that unnecessary regulation does not inhibit the growth of Canada's uranium mining industry by unduly restricting foreign investment. It will also expand investment promotion in key markets.”