Cyber-Canada

Abstract

Canada has made substantial advances in the development of its information technology infrastructure and its electronic commerce systems. Little attention, however, has been paid to the potential economic, cultural and social ramifications of the e-commerce `revolution'. Canadian consumers, although quite nationalistic in their stated preferences, rely heavily on US retail sites for their internet purchases. While the internet provides an opportunity to promote and disseminate Canadian cultural products, it likewise has the potential to encourage the influx of foreign materials. The latter is potentially very significant for Canada's immigrant population, for e-commerce may lessen social and cultural contacts between new immigrants and the broader Canadian society.