Ottawa may consider foreign control in telecoms

OTTAWA, March 3 (Reuters) - The Canadian government is open to discussions about possibly allowing foreign investors to hold a majority stake in telecommunications firms, Industry Minister Tony Clement said on Wednesday.

Clement, asked whether he would allow foreign control of telecoms firms, replied: "We're open to discussion on that and from my perspective ... such an investment could only occur if there was a change of control."

"And as soon as there's a change of control situation, then you're looking at net benefit to Canada tests, national security tests -- those would all come into play."

Clement spoke to reporters after the government said in a major policy speech that it would seek to allow more foreign investment in key sectors like telecommunications and satellites. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Writing by Louise Egan; Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson)